I think the point of the article is that Kudzu isn't really a threat and hasn't taken over nearly as much as people perceive.

Numbers wise, sure, there are certainly more invasive species out there.

The trick with Kudzu is that, unlike ligustrum sinense, it invades in a much more literal sense, covering both other plants and the ground itself as far as it can. It 'universally' impedes the growth of other plants, and arguably makes terrain less traversal (if only because it covers what's underneath).

It may not be an ecological danger, but it can be a pain. Yes, other vines can grow as quickly, but most of them have smaller leaves and less propensity to carpet entire areas. I think the visual impact may make it feel more impactful and lend to its mythologization.

I saw it do some impressive stuff. These articles pop up, from time to time, but you need to see it in action.

it's most likely you saw this from a road, where humans have disturbed the forest and introduced more sunlight, which is where kudzu thrives. not all land is visible from the road.

We used to play in it, when I was a kid, and that was before it really started to dominate. Back then, it was in fairly discrete patches, like what is heppening in New York, now.

At some time, in the last 30 years, it exploded.

would be curious to see some real data about this

Not really my department. I just have anectdata for you.

Plant some Japanese knotweed next to it and watch them fight to the death!

I'll put up the oriental bittersweet that is slowly taking over and pulling down all my trees as a contender in that fight.

I think the knotweed will win.

If I'm not mistaken, you can't sell a house, in the UK, if there's knotweed on the property.