I would differentiate between moving your leg into a passing lane, and someone trying to make a pass or a dribble between a defenders legs and a defender closing that gap. If you try to squeeze a pass beween a defender's legs, I can't see giving you a kicked ball call when your attempt fails because that gap disappears.

OK, so now you agree with me?:D

Not a snowball's chance ;)

I would think any move of the leg toward the ball no matter how slight would result in a "kick" however gentle. If the foot or lower leg moves toward the ball, and makes contact, it has to be a kick, even if it's very, very small.