Query: would it be possible to use an all-natural/completely edible "animal repellent" spray on them? Such as, for instance, hot sauce/pepper juice?

That should wash off easily enough if it gets on the fruit, and presumably wouldn't harm the leaves any since, y'know, it's a pepper plant leaf!

"Anti-squirrel" birdseed is treated with cayenne pepper/capsaicin to keep squirrels from eating it, so it seems reasonable that it would also keep them from chomping your plants, and it's nothing more than what the pepper plant is already producing (albeit in the wrong location, i.e. the seeds).

Might be worth buying a little spritzer bottle and trying!