what if???

Agreed. You just bypassed your alternator. That will spare it and the dash wiring and connectors from overheating, but doesn't mean your alternator is keeping up with your load. You are now just "flying blind".

That has been true for all my cars since 1982. When the idiot "low voltage" light comes on, I already know the battery is low because the car won't start or, if driving, the ignition starts missing and the headlights get real dim. In my 2002 Chrysler, I got no warning until the engine died and the gear selector showed all gears lit (electronic A-613 tranny). What you need is a voltmeter. I now use a cigarette-lighter voltmeter in my newer cars so no electrical surprises on the road. I have a nice one (Equis, $15 Amazon) but see some for $4 on ebay. When fine it reads ~14.5 V with the engine running.

Of course, if you alt can't keep up, get a bigger one. The square-back is a direct fit and gives almost double the round-back. Newer Denso's are better, but trickier to mount. Some get a GM 1-wire type.