I am afraid I don't really understand you.
Was there any real problem with SVN version numbers?
What kind of local commit? There was one system with one series of numbers. Do you mean your own computer by local? That is not interesting for public.
The old version number HAD some meaning. It gave a sort order, some help where to put a script in my mind. This new system is only useful for computers. Well, we can live together with that, but if there is any chance to install some human readable version, I would appreciate it.