Does anyone have any suggestions or work arounds to this lack of functionality?

I have several help centers and departments. I have a layout that I want to have in multiple departments, but when I clone it, it only gives me the option to keep it in same department.  The issue is I created several multi-select fields, have a ton of field dependencies and layout rules.  

I have been told that I can not copy or clone this layout to another department.  That means I have to completely recreate everything multiple times for other departments.  I can't even bulk copy the lists, I have to re-key everything.

This is a real PITA and hopefully someone has some suggestions.