Webel Parsing Analysis: SysMLv1.x: Q: "Instead of using a Snippet extension of an ElementGroup, can't I just use a Requirement and Trace to achieve the same thing?" A: No! The ElementGroup extended as the Snippet is far more powerful and fit for purpose.

The Snippet used in the  Webel Parsing Analysis recipe for SysML is far more flexible and powerful than just trying to use the text of a SysML Requirement and the SysML Trace relationship:

• A Snippet is part of a powerful meta-analysis layer that typically comes before formal treatments of the Requirements (and helps elicit them).
• Not every text extract from a domain source document is a Requirement.
• Con: A Requirement element can't appear as narrative commentary in every kind of diagram!
• Con: The text of Requirement element is not always the same as its name.

In fact, the Snippet can be - and often is - used in combination with Trace.