I don't think it was ever disclosed how many lives were lost, which we know was plenty. Such an event's importance wouldn't be measured by how many lives were lost, but by it being an ALIEN INVASION and SUPERHEROES!

It's like the person writing this didn't even listen to the interview in question.

If the battle of new York happened, it would be talked about all the time especially if you're around SHIELD. I never understood that criticism. It would be the biggest event ever, an alien invasion and superheroes!