merging layers

["Robert" <5b4z8ak02 sneakemail com>]

I think I may've went too crazy with layers on my first diagram.

At the time I figured I could always Cut/Paste between layers so merging
layers would never be a big deal.
Now I find that cutting & pasteing severes connections (and it makes
perect sense that it does).

I'd like to consolidate a few layers together.
Is there an easy way to do this?
Or, is there a mode to let you move & edit all objects from all layers
when making big changes?

I'm new here.
If this sort of q is off topic, just let me know and you'll have my
apologies :-)