I agree names should be used.
Is there a way to not create unique COM port numbers for each connected arduino
They can't all have the same port. The settings are stored in the registry, which you can try modify, it is a nightmare to find the assignments as they are stored using their component ID. Not to mention each port is cluttered with data from every other device ever connected.
How about making a 'middle man' Arduino that other duinos connect to. Then you'll only have one device connected.
If you can use the windows API, you can write an application that creates its own virtual com port and simply pipes the data to the Arduino's port or even many Ardunos at once.