HLC mode is more of a pre-allocated assignment of rooms & links. Even if you can't program the SAI switches from the HAI panel, you can program them via Upstart to use the HLC convention of ID/link allocations. Using this method, the SAI switches will work with the HAI status tracking so your apps will show the correct status. There are several docs on the HAI knowledge base that outline the unit/link allocation convention used. You will also want to change them within HAI to be HLC mode instead of UPB mode. The only real difference there is that under HLC mode, the panel will poll each device within a room when one of the room links are sent.
Powercat, where are you located? You may find someone local to you that could not only do the programming for you, but show you so you can manage it going forward.