How do you not go above 2k RPM? I can't accelerate close to normally without it getting to at least 2500 RPM, let alone merging onto the highway.
Actually, letting it hit 2500-3000 RPM on some shifts isn't going to burn that much more fuel - if any, as you are getting up to cruising speed and higher gears faster. In heavier city traffic I can see not getting up to speed much because you'll just stop at the next light again in a couple hundred feet. No sense in being that guy who floors it light to light lol
FWIW my normal driving I'll not hit 3000 RPM too often (aside from highway merges) but every so often (a few times a month) I'll accelerate a little harder and get it in the 3k-4k range. Once in a while I'll really nail it and it'll go upwards of 5k RPM. I've never mashed it enough to hit much above that. I'm at 162,500 right now.
Also I'm not sure why your alternator would die if you get in the middle of the RPM range

It should be designed to take full engine range fine.