This isn't new, it has been going on for years.
First with the "National" PPL being renewed with a JAA PPL, same thing occurred. An additional few numbers and having to go through the motions again.
Same thing all over.
When my license number was changed from the old number system to the JAR one (due to an address change) the FAA Inspector spent a lot of time trying to find out why my old number had been revoked. He didn't believe me.
FAA inspectors are not omnipotent, some of tehm may have never dealt with a 61.75 certificate to begin with. It just all depends on who has desk duty that day.
But it's still free.