Here’s the problem: By default when I import a bunch of audio tracks, all the mono audio gets assigned to mono tracks. And then when I put a chorus effect or something I’m left scratching my head as to why it won’t sound stereo.
Given the current limitation, what is the easiest way to “migrate” to a stereo track for such mono tracks? And is there a way to avoid this nonsensical mono track scenario in the future, altogether?
create a stereo track and drop the clips to that stereo track - plenty of posts about that on the forums
For import no - for record yes -also discussed enough here.
Because ‘inserting’ an effect on a mono track is just placing a mono effect on the mono audio. The output of a mono track is still mono. You can send the mono track to a Stereo group channel and insert stereo effects there. Or just create a stereo FX track and insert a stereo effect there. Send to it from the mono audio track to that FX or Group channel via channel control window.
Creating a stereo track doesn’t copy over the automation, inserts, routing, sends, etc. though?
And yes, I was talking about import - for record I always use a stereo track.
Creating a new stereo track then re-importing a mono track to it should work. I am just guessing though. I personally have never had the issue.
You will lose automation if you move the track. I suppose it depends on what you automated. Sending to a stereo FX or group channel will solve the stereo issue.
Sucks that you may lose work, but it just comes down to how the DAW works. 
FYI… A disussion about pros/cons for recording a mono audio bus (and source) to a stereo audio track.
Https://www.steinberg.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=198&t=100307
Regards. 
There can be some cool benefits to using dual mono tracks each panned L/R. But there really needs to be a right click menu command to:
join mono tracks to stereo
split stereo to mono
cheers