Can you distribute multiple objects to multiple layers???

 From:  sneather
5498.1 
I have a model from a client, and unfortunately all the parts are in one grouping. Not as discrete object layers / styles.
It's also a wickedly complex product, so it won't be feasible for me to go through piece-by-piece to add parts to unique object layers in the browser.

So...is there a shortcut or command to force the program to add a selection of multiple pieces, to their own respective layers in the Object Browser?

Does my situation and question make any sense?

Thank you!