Guess this also explains the flicker I observed when I flash my high beams.
Now that the switching of electrical circuits is done largely by semiconductors rather than by relays, it's a new ball game. A relay can take a very large overload while transistors can not without being damaged. Even a fuse can not properly protect a semiconductor device. Almost always a semiconductor will give its life to protect the fuse unless some other protection scheme is designed in. This is done by some form of active current sensing in the drive module. If an overcurrent is detected, whether a short circuit or a momentary overload, the load is turned off for a period of time to protect the transistor. The fuse is now only used for catastrophic protection and protect against a fire. Trouble is sometimes even a glitch on an unrelated circuit can cause the overcurrent trip-out.
In the case of the OP, check that the diode that clamps the transient voltage from the AC clutch is both installed and good. On the L series, this is located in the under hood fuse panel and is labeled 'diode' in the key.
I have noted on my car too, that the electrical regulation from the alternator is ok but not great in response to a rpm or electrical load change. It seems to take about a quarter second after applying a load until the voltage stabilizes again. This can cause some glitches but this does minimize the load on the engine as it accelerates :-))