Hi Lance - for now yes, you need to start each payment independently, but in addition to the streamlined customer sign up process I mentioned on the other thread, I'm also planning to add the ability to kick off multiple GoCardless payments in one go, both from the debt list and the worksheet - watch this space!
I'm focusing on improvements to the mobile app this and possibly next week (to include much requested payment method totals) so I can get an update into the app stores, but GoCardless improvements are next on my list. I'm also looking at adding Stripe integration for credit card payments.
Anyway, will keep you posted!