I concur with your post. Bird strikes can and do cause major damage.
I had a JT8D destroyed on a B737 - take-off
A Conway on a B707 totalled on approach - engine continued to run but the throttle only produced a change in EGT and not RPM
Multiple birds (12 +) through #2 and #4 CFM56 on an A340 resulting in Vibs of 7.5 and 9.5 respectfully. The N1 blades on one engine were turned through 90degrees for their last 12ins. N1 appeared normal but the `puff` was definitely not there!
Faulty ADC caused by the TAT probe being `full of squashed bird`
Most interestingly, has a strike passing 15,000ft at 320kts on a B747-200 at NIGHT near Bahrain. It hit above my window with a colossul bang a large dent later found. I don`t know what type of large bird flys at these height.