Best practices for working with dependent fields

Best practices for working with dependent fields

Hello.
 
I need work with 3 dependient lookup fields in a new aplication.
 
Is goog using system field ID to link diferent fields.
 
For example: I'have 3 form Areas, Groups and Subgroups. I have text fields with the names of Area, Group and Subgroup. When i insert a record in group i must select also the Area and when i insert in Subgroup i must select Area and Group. I want have dependient dropdown lookup field so that when i select a Area in Subgroups form, i only can select the group than belong to the Area selected.
 
I see some examples and works for me but i have a question.
 
Which is better ? Using the text field to create the relation or use the system field ID?
 
Regards (and excuse my english)