Times changed. Back then, thats all there was. Xfinity and Truck is full of legitimately lesser talent and less experience. While Kyle winning all those races is impressive, it is legitimately against lesser drivers, certified "minor leagues". His cup total being less than half of his NASCAR total doesn't really help.
Edwards has something close to 70 NASCAR wins, but we don't talk about that. Kyle doesn't get an outlying creteria of measurement because it fits a narrative. It's 2017, there are three different series with three different levels of talent. In general when measuring drivers against drivers, we go by their performance in the series they all race in. When measuring a drivers success, we go by their cup career.
When Kyle makes his place among the GREATEST cup champions, which he will, it will be his cup career that is measured by everyone except his fans.
60+ wins and 2-3 titles is still all time great numbers. But Kyle's chance to be on that Earnhardt, Johnson, Petty, Jordan tier has already passed. Instead of boosting him up, we should be celebrating what he is OBJECTIVELY. Which I am more than happy to do.
That is, an all time great with what will arguably the longest cup cup career, a multi time champion, and a winner of races who is making his mark in nascar history. Not calling him the GOAT does not discredit him. He isn't the GOAT.