Is relying on models to calculate genetic distance wrong from the start?

[bigsnake49]

It has been fun comparing genetic distances to different ancient or modern samples or populations using different models (i.e Dodecad 12b, Eurogenes K13. But is it wrong? Instead of modeling yourself with the target sample using these different tools and ancient populations, why not compare raw genetic data directly?

 

[Salento]

It has been fun comparing genetic distances to different ancient or modern samples or populations using different models (i.e Dodecad 12b, Eurogenes K13. But is it wrong? Instead of modeling yourself with the target sample using these different tools and ancient populations, why not compare raw genetic data directly?

We’ve been doing that too

Ötzi - The Iceman

R1 - Proto-Villanovan

EDIT: Updated
R56 Late Medieval Italy: