Quoted from msadan:Is there any reason sticking a bridge in there and converting the GI to DC wouldn't work?
Yes, there is, or might be.
Some Ballys have a thyristor module for switching the GI. This won't work if the GI is converted to a DC without zero crossing.
And I know the AC which is used for GI sometimes is connected to PCB's. Eg. for converting it to a negative DC for a soundboard.
This needs to be negative for the regulator to work.