As someone working as a webdevelopper, it doesn't matter how account names are generated (I'm developping something where I currently generate accounts automatically through initials), all you need is direct access to the database to be able to change it, so contacting your IT team would be an easy fix, as it is an understanble request and a very easy fix for them (thats 1 line of code for each), so I'm just gonna call BS on that one.
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Sorry, I just watched "Step Brothers" for the millionth time...