Just started working on a similar problem. (8) 2 digit 16-segment common cathode displays driven by MAX7219 drivers downstream of (2) MAX7221 drivers. How about draining two segments A->H on one digit and K->U on another digit. And driving each common anode with two digit pins through dual input OR gates into switching FETs if necessary. With either common anode or common cathode displays you will still have to bit map the display. What microcontroller are you using?