For developers who only have '03' and the new '16' checks are implemented, it is quite acceptable to have an uncomplicated process for the access (on an adhoc basis if you have a user friendly way of providing the access) or even permanently for internal developers who regularly do application support as well.
But if they unit test properly and QA testing is done completely as well, then there is seldom a reason for a developer to have to access a production system anyway (bar their own ESS and perhaps ordering a new computer..).
Cheers,
Julius