I get the idea you’re hoping there’s an automatic way to do this. I’m not an expert, but I’ve just finished a similar (although smaller) project and was asking similar questions when I started.
So, to the best of my knowledge, there’s no way to make sequences based on file or folder name, automatic or otherwise.
Merging is the usual way of doing it, like Kevin said. Here’s a video that deals with sound and DSLR footage: https://vimeo.com/45470345
I don’t think there’s a way of doing it that doesn’t involve some grunt work, but if others have better solutions, hopefully they’ll add them too.