GL, if you do a good job crimping the connectors (and even use solder) - yes you can connect the short jumper directly to the charging post. But, it does a better job of regulating if it goes all the way to the battery as then it gets a more accurate read on the battery voltage. Having it connected all the time wont cause any drain on the battery.
The other wire for the idiot light should be wired up if you don't want to have to rev it to get it charging. If you don't hook it up, you are right, you will have to wrap the motor up above 1200 rpm (depending on pulley sizes) to get the alternator to start charging.
To connect- run a wire from the alternator to a light bulb and then from the light bulb to the ignition power. The power source will light the bulb up when you turn on the ignition, when the alternator voltage comes up and matches the battery voltage, the light will go out as no voltage drop across it so no current flow.
Ken
