If you do actually need fancy text effects like this in geometry, rather than as an imported images, then the best way of doing it would probably be to use CorelDraw or Illustrator, convert that text into segmented curves, then import into SU via dwg format. Shape Bender will work...but only up to a point. Corel/Illustrator tutorial here.

No prob

When you import dwg/dxf files, go to the options dialog (bottom right of the import window) and set the unit of the original file.

Make your component with each of the 5 parts as subcomponents. Then make a copy of the main component and rclick/Make unique. Name the new component Comp1-split or whatever. Double click the new comp and split it with move/rotate tools. Whenever the subcomponents in either comp1 or comp1-split changes it will also change in the other component. But the placement of those subcomponents will stay different because the main components are not the same - only the subcomps are shared.