Stop in for a cup of coffee

The longer the wire, the greater the resistance. The smaller the wire, the greater resistance.

When a wire gets longer, it needs to be a larger diameter to have the same resistance as the shorter one.

Splices (connections) add to the resistance. Fewer means less resistance.

Also, the diagram Matt showed demonstrated that the power from the alternator didn’t have to go across the ampmeter to power the system...only to recharge the battery.