We have to wait for the mods to answer 'cause they're the ones in charge, but I really don't think it would be a problem if people want to make that a thing. I'm sure you won't need the code for a very long time, since strats are pretty consistent.
There's no harm in using the code to learn the game, but generally codes aren't accepted in speedrunning. I'm not a moderator for this version of Contra, but I'd assume the moderators share this sentiment. So perhaps it can be updated in the rules for each category. You are definitely allowed to use the 7 lives from the options menu for runs though.
Interesting. We don't allow it for the first Contra, and most leaderboards frown on that sort of thing in general. Well, anyway, a mod should chime in I feel.
The 30 lives code hasn't been mentioned in the rules until now. Any run being posted from now on in non-deathwarp categories can not use the code. The rules for each affected category have been updated to reflect this.
We have decided to split the leaderboards into "original version" and "anniversary collection". Anniversary collection is very different (way Faster) and therefore not comparable with the other allowed systems/emulators. The Anniversary Collection however is an official release and it is also good,