I think it makes the most sense to model these based on biology and informatics and then be able to output a code compliant string.
Yes, that is the ideal. Unfortunately, many/most content providers are not in a position to meet that ideal (they only have a text string for the name). GNA is intended to help content holders reach the ideal, but even if the information and tools are available, many/most content providers do not have the means to implement that ideal.
Done this way if the code changes you just need to alter the output code.
Homonymous use of the word "code"? :-)
You also don't always know what is the appropriate code for a given string until the end.
"Code" as in Nomenclatural Code, or as in software code?
Serious question. I assume you mean nomenclatural code, but I could read it either way.
Just an example of why these conversations are always so difficult.
Aloha, Rich