The fine structure constant may not have the same value throughout the universe, but I'm still curious if its a measurement error. Changing it by much would prevent the synthesis of carbon in stars. But are you suggesting a different value would allow some other atom to take on properties as useful as carbon? If so I would like to read more about it.

Regardless, if there is a gradient, any meaningful change in the fine structure constant beyond the range at which we could observe anything in the universe, so it still makes sense to only assume carbon-based life.