I am really confused about the use of "so as to". Can an expert help me here? Please read both examples to make a comparison.

Example 1

Although the Argentine ant is neither poisonous nor predatory, individual colonies cooperate in a super-colony so large that its collective appetite can become a competitive threat to bird, lizard, and other insect populations.

A)individual colonies cooperate in a super-colony so large that its collective appetite can become a competitive
B)individual colonies cooperate in a super-colony of such size, its collective appetite can become a competing
C)individual colonies cooperate in a super-colony so large as to cause its collective appetite to become a competitive
D)such is the size of the cooperative super-colony comprising individual colonies, its collective appetite can become a competing
E)there is so much size to the individual colonies’ cooperative super-colony that its collective appetite can become a competitive

Here A is the OA which is fine. Please keep C in mind as you read on.

Example 2

The category 1 to 5 rating known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale provides an estimate of a hurricane’s potential of destroying or damaging property, and is primarily determined from wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds so high as to blow away small buildings, completely destroy mobile homes, and cause severe window and door damage.

A)of destroying or damaging property, and is primarily determined from wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds so high as
B)to destroy or damage property, and is primarily determined from wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds high enough
C)of destroying or damaging property, and is primarily determined by wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds so high as
D)to destroy or damage property, and is primarily determined by wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds high enough
E)to destroy or damage property, and is primarily determined by wind speed; a category 5 storm has wind speeds so high as

Here OA is E.

Please compare both examples and let me know why so as to is correct in one and wrong in the other.

in the second sentence..

so high as to...is needed to emphasis that the winds are soo strong that will knock bldgs etc.

high enough suggests they are barely strong enough to knock bldgs etc..

its like

Jim is tall enough to reach the top ..here it means he is just tall enough to reach the top shelf

vs

Jim is so tall as to reach the top shelf...here the emphasis is that he is sooo tall that he can reach the top shelf..

hope my post makes sense??