Is it just me or does くらい show up all the time and seem to not have the simple meaning of “about”?

For example this section of a story I'm reading: 君への気持ちがあふれて苦しいくらいだよ

Sometimes it just seems like a filler word, like using the word 'like' as an interjection. I think for this sentence it is saying "You are overflowing with emotions to the point that it's difficult for you" using the definition #2 from my Yomitan "to (about) the extent that". I think it's being used more like "ほど” in that regard, but any grammar guide or youtube video just explains definition #1 "about [x] many of [y]".

If you know of a more in depth explanation of くらい let me know, thanks!