All of a sudden, our 2 showers upstairs started giving lower heat hot water, and the hot water didn't last as long? More specifically, before where I could put it at notch 5 and get good hot water for over half an hour, I now have to crank it to 7 to even get hot water and then I have to keep cranking it a notch every few minutes to continue to get hot water. But we do get hot water everyday. Our watier heater is gas, 3 years old, and we've never had a problem before and have not changed our habits, the weather is not any different than other years, and this all happened suddenly, not gradually, and both showers at the same time. I had a plumber come out and flush the tank, no change. Then they came back and replaced the gas valve on the tank, still no change. This seems so weird to me... Both happening at the same time. I am quite frustrated and dissatisfied that the plumber hasn't solved the problem, so I thought I'd start asking around on forums...

You might not have a problem, as its normal to have to make slight adjustments as mechanical parts get worn in over time. O rings and valve seats operate that way. Please explain further your having to adjust for your water temperature comfort. It would seem to be an issue with your mixing valves rather than the tank, or gas valve though.

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More specifically, before where I could put it at notch 5 and get good hot water for over half an hour, I now have to crank it to 7 to even get hot water and then I have to keep cranking it a notch every few minutes to continue to get hot water.

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From what you have described I would be more apt to go straight to where you regulated the temperature for such small adjustments, than the tank which has little to do with the final delivery of hot water. That is why I asked for further clarification of your terms.

Perhaps a make and model of your bathroom hardware can lead us to a more specific cause of your issue.

Sounds to me like a deteriorated dip tube in the water heater

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dissatisfied that the plumber hasn't solved the problem

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I can understand that if the plumber replace the gas valve based on the symptoms you have described.