Good Advice

Here is a suggestion...
In the future look online for a freeware program (not just a free download) that will allow renaming batches of pics at the same time. Google batch file renamer and look through the links to find a free one.

I am on a Mac and use one called Renamer. I know they are out there for Windows b/c I used to use one on my Windows machine.

I simply highlight all files I want renamed, drag and drop them onto Renamer, and it allows me to add/delete/overwrite/number/number and text/rename/insert/delete characters and spaces (from either end of, or starting any position inside of). These options also can be done with the file extension (not sure why I would want to though!). Your hour job might have taken around a minute. It also has a preview window showing what the new named file list would look like before I hit the "rename" button.

It is likely your hour long job could be done in about a minute or less.

I have this image of an older man sitting next to me at the local coin show last month.
A little stack of papers in his hands about two inches wide by four inches long and a good three inches thick.
A lifetime of collecting in this little stack. Not digital. No doubt as inconsistent as yours, jprine. But in the end it still works for him.

Indeed, you are not alone. I just don't worry about it anymore.