Hi @RF,
For discrete numeric factors, you can estimate main effects, interactions, quadratic effects... same as for continuous numeric factors. So the difference in modelisation/design creation is not big between these two types. As you said, it will only constraint your analysis, by only being able to select/have discrete values for this factor.
Changing a discrete numerical factor to a continuous one should not be a problem, since you had at least 2 discrete levels, which is required for the analysis of a continuous factor (level -1 and level +1).
You might even have more information if you had previously more than 2 levels in your discrete numerical factor : it should be possible to test for quadratic effect through a lack-of-fit test (in case of middle value for this previously discrete numeric factor).
I don't know how accurate my answer will be on your use case, but I think there should be no problem on a general view.
You may be interested in this discussion : Solved: Continuous Vs Discrete Numeric Factor - JMP User Community
Victor GUILLER
"It is not unusual for a well-designed experiment to analyze itself" (Box, Hunter and Hunter)