Rick, I see no reason why clumps couldn't be divided as long as they have roots attached; I've done it with the horrid southern sword fern (years ago before I realized they were invasive here) but I haven't tried it with other types. I say go for it! As to propagating from spores ... with my short attention span, I've never even thought to try that.
I wonder if the one growing in with the azalea is perhaps stunted by the azalea roots? It must like that location if it seems happy there, maybe you could divide the clump and plant some divisions in the direction you want?
Hopefully we have some knowledgeable fern growers here who will pop in with some tips.
