I don't know why import of all product to even a single picture subdirectory (already going to one single directory why not another) would increase the workload by any amount. It's a one time change to the import code to prefix the image filename if not present.
But, no worries, there is a code change with an additional database switch to be considered. Why it would need to be in a database setting requiring a full version change beats me, since there is a hidden away set of store settings file that can further be abused right now: includes/extra_datafiles/dist-site_specific_overrides.php
That is, after you copy and rename the file to site_specific_overrides.php, then also make sure that you review what will be affected by the setting(s) chosen to be sure your selection won't out right break your store.
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