I'm not "pro-GMO". Not against it either.

"Would any software developer use a process like this in a production environment?"

Would any engineer use software development techniques in building a bridge? Absolutely not. Hold on, I'll build a mock bridge, run a test truck on top to see if it holds. If it doesn't, I'll just build a new one.

Don't compare disciplines which have enormously different requirements. With all dues respect, the world isn't just software engineering.