To be honest. A batch approach does not seem so "stupid" in this case. There could be something like a front-end where you could create your own batch(es). Simplified of course. Not so sure which approch is better, but adding multiple locations and profiles is a pain in the *ss for me.

As for backups. I backup my Miranda IM folder almost daily. I'm using Miranda IM since it was called Miranda ICQ back in 2000 or 2001. I know what it means if something goes wrong. That's why I added a backup funtion. Not that it is necessary at all.