How do I align multiple characters created with the scene graph at edit time?

Imagine Ive created a character and linked it all up with the scene graph hierarchy at edit time (using 'add selection to this instance' in the editor)

I copy and paste the character 3 times

..but then I want to align the characters evenly along the horizntal axis..

Currently the align option does this...

Any idea how to resolve this and have the characters aligned as expected?

Cheers