MAD electrical upgrade question??

The amp gauge is the best built/most rigid of the grouping.
I consider any gauge as a news reporter. They shouldn't have the ability to interrupt or shut down the story they're reporting. So yeah this design has a Clark Kent potential. That way of thinking is the only reason I converted my amp gauge to a volts gauge.
Back to Steves car. He stated its suddenly DOA. I read that as no current inside at all. I can't imagine a alt gauge suddenly and completely interrupting current flow. Anything is possible, but what is more likely ? A burned open fusible link or one of the related spade terminal connections out there under the hood. I've seen too many cases where some add on ( stereo, gauge pod, fog lamps, etc.. ) inside was the route cause too.
So Steve, Did you recently add a lighter well to this center console ? If so, Is it possible that you unknowingly created the new problem ? Shifter linkage pinched/cut a wire maybe. Chit happens
Your IVR question... Since that isn't directly related, lets save that for later.