it can be done with a selection of vertex as well as with the full object

for components, just like before, make a selection of the components, in this case vertexes, hit insert, move the pivot wherever you want, hit insrt again, move the components...


(for more complex objects where you want smooth transitions like a blend etc...you´re screwed(try deforming them(with a lattice for example) until they are close and then snap the closests), but im confident byron will end that with its soft selection plugin...cant wait for it...)