I agree it’s a good starting point, and I think that’s how it should remain. It’s also faster to describe “I’m lawful good” instead of “my code of ethics involves…” but I don’t like it when people use it as a defining characteristic for their character.

What reasons they have for following that alignment is much more interesting than just saying they’re following it. How does their personality and desires play into it? Where might they do something against it?

I agree it’s useful for communication, but a lot of people stop at that and don’t consider their character’s opinions, desires, and goals further.