The problem is not that they 'sound' like "Democrats Lite". They are so. In fact, on just about any issue that you mentioned there was probably some 'bipartisan' consensus that legislated the socialist changes.
The solution? It's not within the GOP, IMHO.
I disagree. I think the Republican Party is the best vehicle for getting to this goal. It will be easier to give the party a metaphorical testicle transplant than to raise the Libertarians or a similar party up to nationally taken seriously status.
As for the "bipartisan consensus builders:" the good thing about them is that they're spineless. Let's bend 'em our way for a change.