Combine Time Machine backups in Mojave My Time Machine backup drive became corrupt.  It would take several minutes to mount, and then MacOS would warn me to back up the data.  When I tried copying Backups.backupdb out I got "Error Code -36" saying that some data couldn't be read or written.  

I was able to copy a few (apparently non-corrupt) individual backups out using finder, but unfortunately Apple has removed a multitude of admin permissions, including the ability to change Backups.backupdb, so I'm unable to copy my backups into it.  Access denied (even with SIP disabled).  We're also not not allowed to modify folder permissions, FWIW.

Any ideas on how to transfer individual backups into Backups.backupdb?
I think I've found a workaround (or "ridiculous hack", if you will). You can't modify Backups.backupdb, but you can delete it and replace it (back up your backups, if you feel the need):


Create a folder named "WhosTheBoss"
Copy any backups you want to keep in there (same directory structure)
Delete the original Backups.backupsdb folder
Rename "WhosTheBoss" to "Backups.backupsdb"
Point Time Machine and/or Migration Assistant to that location and win.