Frickin' good article Spuggy!
I did a bunch of searching and I believe this is the video that you referred to?
https://youtu.be/TYxtCC330Xg
I couldn't get your link to work.
I would agree about the alternator taking a lot of power. Many years ago I was fiddling with a Honda or Yamaha and I disconnected the alternator cables whilst it was running. To my amazement the tickover raced up by about 2000rpm and then the alternator dragged it back down to normal when I touched the cables back together. Whatever bike it was would have probably been sub 20bhp but I think the alternator would have been sapping a few of those.
This makes a mockery of those who say that it doesn't cost any more to have the lights on, as clearly more current demand puts more load on the engine and therefore burns more fuel... I'm into fitting one of those R/Rs that only draws what it needs.