Alternator delete / field wire switch is a time-tested drag racing trick. Maybe that'll help them understand it's not insignificant.
Also, even if it's just 1 hp (not saying it is), who says that's insignificant? Ever calculate how much fuel you need to burn to generate 1 hp?
FYI, here's how I measured my electrical loads:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...olts-8908.html