"follow the greens"
We don't have the ability to do this. It is partially possible as most taxiways are sectionalised. By that I mean all of taxiway A or all of taxiway V. You are correct to attempt to use this control technique would be incredibly labour intensive.
I believe 'follow the greens' was a desired concept at HKIA opening, but due to many technical difficulties and the original contractor failing, it has never eventuated.
The future prospect is to data link a clearance to each arrival or departure and it be transposed onto a HUD. This will be to an intermediate holding point or to the bay or holding point for departure. With such a system, there is no corruption. What we are looking at, you should be looking at. This is not always the case with voice clearances. Especially beneficial on exiting a runway with momentum and having a visual presentation of what is required.