The Kerry/Alston point is a minor issue -- but helpful inasmuch as it induces a look into the Swiftees contentions about the circumstances that resulting in the improvident granting of medals, and in Kerry's lies that the Swiftees engaged in war atrocities.
The Kerry/Alston point is also helpful in dispelling the myth that these BOB built up a close relationship based on their long service together. If Alston only served with Kerry for a week, why give him such prominence? Because he is black preacher. You can bet that Kerry's people wrote Alston's convention speech including the implied idea that Alston was present when Kerry beached the boat during the Silver Star episode.
What we really need is a breakdown of the Band of Brothers showing when they served with Kerry. We know Gardner served over two months with Kerry, perhaps the longest of them all. Yet, he is with SBVFT. It would be very revealing.