Replicate a MTM for an Client

I am trying to create a replica of the MTM (JKE) Sample in order to adapt it to the client's process configuration for user training purposes.
My strategy basically is:
st Plans
1) to export the LPA template from the production environment with Artifacts, Work Items, Test Plans. Those are already modified to adhere to the client's process;
2) to deploy at a sandbox server a clean CLM deployment (RRC, RTC and RQM)
3) to import those templates into my local environment;
4) to make several copies of the lifecycle project based on the number of people being trained (each person will use a full set of CLM Project Areas);
The problem is: when using the REST API to copy project areas, the artifacts in different project areas (RRC, RTC and RQM) lose their links.
So, is there a way to copy a lifecycle project with their underlying project areas while still maintaining their links? This seems to be the case in the JKE sample project.
My strategy basically is:
st Plans
1) to export the LPA template from the production environment with Artifacts, Work Items, Test Plans. Those are already modified to adhere to the client's process;
2) to deploy at a sandbox server a clean CLM deployment (RRC, RTC and RQM)
3) to import those templates into my local environment;
4) to make several copies of the lifecycle project based on the number of people being trained (each person will use a full set of CLM Project Areas);
The problem is: when using the REST API to copy project areas, the artifacts in different project areas (RRC, RTC and RQM) lose their links.
So, is there a way to copy a lifecycle project with their underlying project areas while still maintaining their links? This seems to be the case in the JKE sample project.