I don't see it as a bad idea at all. They switched from generators to alternators because the gen didn't charge as much at idle. Alternators do. Alternators were not designed to run primarily at high rpm's.
I've been giving some thought to doing the opposite approach, on a none stovebolt application. CCOT AC systems cycle the compressor off and on periodically. How inconvenient would it be with the AC pump driven off the driveshaft? In light traffic the pump wouldn't be off that long at most lights.
This has got to be crazier than the alternator.
