The fact that there might be a better way to collect certain types of information does not mean that less-effective and even riskier and more expensive methods of collection will not also be exploited, even if just to disrupt and cause havoc.

Also: Some data cannot easily be collected from the ground, and some communications/data stuff involving a balloon like this one could get pretty creative and go unnoticed by safeguards on land-based networks.

Ground Station to Balloon to Satellite Network to Chinese Government Balloon Enthusiast could be a scenario.

It could also be nothing to worry about.

Either way, I'm glad we have smart folks working on this.