Actually, I have tried it working with copies of both databases. Initially it did not work, but I had not included a functional copy of the import items and asked for them to be synced.
I am trying it again.
I am far from ready to try with a live copy and I would sync them "off line" then compare the current 2 old data bases with the new one randomly, then replace the current data bases.
This would only be if I put a VPN tunnel from one office to the other so we could operate on one database.
It's a nice goal, but I'm happy and simple having 2 independent databases.
That being said, I may still give AC central a call and see if they have any other ideas.