Coupon Category Restrictions

I have read through the forum and can't find a solution for my problem.

I have set up coupons as referral codes. I have 2 vendors that do not allow any discounts to be applied to their products. I can deny the category on one category but as soon as I add one or the other, the coupon does not work. It is not allowing me to deny more than one category. I do want to allow the coupon on all other items except for these 2 specific categories. I have tried allowing at the top level and denying the individual categories, the only way I can get the coupon to work is to allow the category TOP and deny the individual products, a timely process for multiple coupons given the number of products to be excluded from the coupon offer.

I also want to know if there is a way to duplicate an existing coupon with the same values and restrictions.

Any coupon gurus out there have a good answer?

I am using v1.3.8a.

Anxiously awaiting some help...

Jenn