forcing MultiMeasureRests to combine

[Kieren MacMillan]

Hello all,

Consider the following minimal snippet:

\version "2.17.13"

global = {
  \repeat "unfold" 8 { s1 }
}

notes = \relative c' {
  R1*4
  c1
  R1*3
}

\score {
  \new Staff << \global \notes >>
}

This may seem like a contrived example — and in its minimal state, I suppose it 
is — but I run into this situation constantly in my large-forces scores (e.g., 
operas, musicals, orchestra works, etc.), because there are often valid reasons 
for my global variable(s) to be "split up".

Question: Is there a way to force the MMRs (in \notes) to combine (in the 
Staff), despite the fact that the skips (in \global) are broken up? Currently, 
I'm using a series of tags to work around it, but it is extremely hacky, 
time-consuming, and prone to trial-and-error.

Thanks,
Kieren.