There are other “big” pieces ... glorious works (Wagner, Handel, Bach, Mozart, et.al.). But their best doesn’t rise to the level of the Ninth. It stands alone.
The author's opinion deserves contempt. Yours is fit for friendly discussion, preferably over adult beverages.
;'}
I am a classical musician, and nothing by Beethoven has ever been my favorite.
I do not categorically presume to impose my informed opinions upon all of humanity and history; neither of you is entitled or empowered to do so either.
So much for independent thinking on an ostensibly conservative forum.