Separating strokes & offset paths from text?

Question

I need to outline large titles to be output to a large format inkjet printer with a contour cut on a CNC router. I often need to create strokes then convert them to outlines or sometimes create offset paths so that I can use that layer as a through cut (contour guide/line). Sometimes it involves having a clipped image that is outlined and with an offset path for the cut line which may lie in the middle of the stroke/outline. So there could be several lines around an image. I need to separate all of these lines from each other so that I can put them on their own layers for production purposes. I would also need to separate the outlined stroke if I am clipping an image into the main text. Otherwise the image will clip out to the edge of the stroke. If I can separate all of this I can work much easier in layers. Is there a way to easily separate or disassociate each line from one another? I've tried the release compound paths groups etc. None of these seem to be effective. I have to go through a lot of steps and time to manually do these tasks.  

Answer 1

It was suggested that I provide an example to illustrate my question. So here it is. LINK:  http://www.sendspace.com/file/7gqfn3
Old habits die hard. Over the past 20+ years I have worked extensively with vector art. Much of it in app called Flexisign. Which has/had great features for working with vectors. This was before layers ever existed. So some of my thinking is still locked into old ways of working with a single layer. But what I liked about it was that I could easily separate, either by ungrouping or un-compounding, do what I needed to do then re-compound etc. Outlines, offset paths, were never locked or permanently attached to another component. Every path created was an actual hard vector line that I could easily manipulate. Strokes did not even exist so they were made with outlines, inlines, etc. In the illustration attached, I could have done all of this in seconds on one layer. Although I could move things forward or backwards and lock colors individually (precursor to layers I guess). I would start with the text and do multiple strokes or outlines as needed then separate them and group or compound as needed. I'm finding it difficult to separate some paths onto it's own so that I can eliminate or alter various paths.
Once I figured out how I could do it Illustrator, it does not appear that complex at all. But it takes a lot more steps than I am accustomed to. And I have to think in terms of layers more often to solve some of these issues. But as you'll see at the end, I still wish I could simply create a path separate it from the the rest of the artwork. I'm thinking that the Offset Path tool would be idea for making my cut line except that I cannot separate it.
Anyway, I created a sample of what I was trying to do. These are the steps I used to make my project. I have not had a chance yet to try out some of the suggestions, but I can see already that they use techniques I have never tried and in some cases even heard of. But wow, I am amazed at the help and suggestions. Thank you all.