IMO if doing this in mass, it would be more efficient to rename the device and DNI of all the old devices than to create virtual devices for every single one and doing swaps. Once you look in your Zwave details and NO nodes have a device attached, you can reset the radio. The "Replace in Automations" feature assumes manual pairing, LR requires SmartStart. So, after pairing with SS you can manually use the Swap feature in the settings to swap the automations from the old to the new device, instead of having to mess with the DNI again. Then delete the old devices (verify by DNI, should match the fake one you put in earlier, and Used By should be blank).
I think most cases are where the zwave database was originated on a C7 or earlier hub and then migrated to new hubs.
