Acceptable resting battery voltage for new alternator?

[80stech]

The whole "no warranty on alternator if installed with dead battery" came into play in the 90's when GM came out with the tiny high amperage alternator that would melt if it was ever called upon to put out it's rated amperage. This was mostly the rebuilders covering thier ass for a poor design. Other than that, only a shorted battery could be an excuse but even then, before the poor GM design even a shorted battery usually didn't kill the alternator.