lookup value when referencing a merged cell

Hello,

In my current spreadsheet I have several lookup functions that refer to a merged cell for the lookup value. Ideally, I'd like to be able to drag and drop the lookup function across all of the values I need to be looked up. The problem is, since the lookup value parameter in the function is referring to a merged cell, the function only works for the first cell of every merged cell. I could solve this by making the lookup value and absolute reference but this is not preferred since I drag and drop the lookup function over several rows/columns. I've attached a spreadsheet illustrating my problem with my current preferred workaround. I was hoping there was a better solution because this can also get cumbersome and easy to make a mistake in the work I do. Thank you.

Yes, that will work for some instances I run into this problem. However, in most cases the number of merged cells ranges from 2 to 6 so that particular test for the blank cell wouldn't work. Also, the lookup function that I actually use is more complex than that (it uses index and match to lookup values in a nested table). I am not sure if that will work or not at this moment. I don't even remember the whole function off hand. Will have to check when I get to work. I can post a better example in the next few days.

As for the 2 and 3, I am not worried about that part. I would prefer to leave that part a variable above the header row because I often change those values for different case studies.

Pl see the attached file with formula.