TOPIC:

just wanting to avert any potential catastrophes here.... while replacing my alternator-stator left side gasket, a little bit of gasket material (just shavings) and fine steel wool dust got underneath the rotor. Is this going to be a problem? If so, how does one fix it? I haven't bolted the cover down yet.

You mean between the rotor and the crankcase partition?

You might try flushing behind the rotor with some WD-40 or likewise fine oil under pressure with the straw-hose.

Heavier pieces of gasket would end up in the oil pan. Fine stuff would wind up in the oil filter.

Engines run a long time with heavier junk than that in the pan, but it you'd like a little peace of mind, stick in a fresh filter and cheap-o oil, run the motor easily for a 15-20 minutes, then change to your regular oil and new filter...