Stop in for a cup of coffee

I don't see the reasoning here.
The rotor brush must be grounding if the regulation is not working.
Try disconnecting the field negative wire, at the alternator.
View attachment 1715422991

If the alternator is still producing unregulated power without the return wire, then brush holder or terminal must be grounding.
Does that make sense?
I was thinking the same thing,have spare alternators as well.