I thought the change from generators to alternators had more to do with the alternators' ability to provide full power at low rpms than with maintenance. Auto manufacturers aren't really known for trying to make cars that don't need the maintenance provided by their dealership networks... case in point: ball joints once came with grease fittings to allow lubing. Now they're "lifetime lubricated." That doesn't mean the new ones last longer - it means they can't be serviced (which would extend their life) and instead must be replaced ($$ for the dealerships).

Generators are simple enough that repairs and maintenance don't (or shouldn't) require paying anyone else to fix the thing... I'd grant that there are those among us who can replace diodes (for example) in an alternator - but I'm guessing that the majority of us really can't. Which further adds to the cost and the likelihood that we have to pay someone else to fix a complex thing that replaced a simple thing we could once maintain ourselves. I like the idea of self reliance. Something to aspire to, given that I'll never attain it.

Fortunately there are lots of viable options available and we can each choose what we think is 'best.'

Cameron
444,122SC
Rose City