You might consider trying the VX.1 release. They made a vast improvement in how large groups of items are selected/moved. PADS 9.5 tries to draw/redraw each element with every nudge of the mouse. In the VX.1, they must do something to create a "shadow" of the objects to move, then only redraw it completely once placed.
You can also set a location as the group's origin. Then once selected, position your mouse over the new location. Press <ctrl-e> to move, then just <left-click> and it'll all move at once. (This won't work so well if you have to fine-tune adjust placement.)
You can also consider grouping the elements into a Reuse Block. This isn't for "copy-paste", but to group parts/traces/vias/drafting lines. You can then reset the origin of the Reuse Block. Pressing <alt-enter> brings up the properties block where you can type in your (x,y) location.
By the way, the new PADS VX.1.2 and a PADS Standard/Standard Plus license will give you access to PADS 3D. This give you the ability to export a .STEP file instead of the yucky IDF format. (https://www.mentor.com/company/news/mentor-new-3d-solution-pads-flow )
You could consider installing the PADS VX tool and trying it out. When you're done, you can export the ASCII to PADS 9.5 format.