I have clarified the title.

But at the same time, not enough people use 3rd party YouTube apps to cause any significant backlash if they deny api access

Yep… Bummer, but completely in character and expected.

pay for attention

Isn’t that basically what their “superchat” feature in YouTube live is? Pay money to force the host to read your comment? IDK I’ve never used it and don’t intend to.

Frankly, I’ve had it with band-aid solutions like alt clients. Gonna say it now: if you claim to be a FLOSS/open web supporting creator and you’re still exclusively using YouTube, you obviously value revenue over FLOSS or open web. Yes I’m gatekeeping FLOSS/open web with that statement, but corporate tech is actively trying to destroy both, and if you side with them, why shouldn’t you be called out for it? Don’t have to quit YouTube IMO, but at least mirror on Peertube if you care.

“Don’t want your kids seeing ads that are absolutely not for kids? Easy! Just pay us!”

Seriously it’s so hypocritical that they demonetize swearing yet show gambling, alcohol, and even the occasional barely-not-porn sexualized ad without a second thought.