This has come up off and on before. This involves adding a way to insert a numerical sequence in your patterns so you can number files (file-001, file-002, etc.). While Hazel will automatically renumber files if there is a name clash, this will give you more control.
I'm bringing this up now because I'm considering including it in the next maintenance release. The chance is slim because it depends on a few significant details which may or may not line up with the timing. I haven't received much feedback on some key questions so I'm asking again here. If this is something you want, now is the time to speak up. Please answer the following, providing specific examples to back them up.
1. If you have files "file-1", "file-2" and "file-5" already in the folder (let's say "file-3" and "file-4" were moved or deleted), what is the next name that would be generated in the sequence? "file-3"? "file-6"? Something else?
2. Using the same example as #1, suppose there was a "file-6" and "file-7" but they got deleted or moved to another folder. Is the next name in the sequence "file-6" or "file-8"? Something else?
3. Would you want the sequence to be reset? If so, when and how?
I may have more questions based on the answers to these. I look forward to your responses.