Yes, there is an easy way to do it.
But the two techniques you listed in your original post are ridiculous. (and “convoluted”)
- Import your files correctly, there’s never going to be a plugin that will think for you.
- OR export the interleaved files as split directly into the arrange page as I outlined above.
AND - when using your library files, if you don’t COPY the interleaved files to your working directory you’re not even creating redundant media.
It’s pretty simple. And hardly “unfortunate.”
How easy do you need it to be?