[VMPhil]

I always got the impression that the 'three blocks' era BBC Choice was essentially BBC Three in all but name. A big fanfare was made of the relaunch but really it just felt like more of the same - the 'BBC Three' style commissions were already landing; Two Pints, a series of Shooting Stars, 60 Seconds etc. The budget was clearly significantly higher post rename but really there wasn't an awful lot to separate them in tone/style.

BBC Knowledge -> BBC Four was a much sharper change

Nail on the head. As I say, it's like they were waiting for the governmental approval at first, but when it was delayed, it seems like all the things that were earmarked for Three started on Choice anyway.