Youtube draws more viewership in prime-time than all major TV networks combined. The platform hosts an unbelievable amount of trash. I consume an immense amount of instructional-type geek videos on Youtube and I am worried for the people who do controversial builds that explode so well in slow motion :)

Youtube knows more a bout their users than Facebook and Twitter combined. Google gathers metrics across the entire Web. They have decided to apply Pareto on content they know FOR A FACT doesn't support their sustainability as a platform.

You have used examples of people who content jack other youtubers to create myth and drama. These channel are unfortunately popular but are of no value to Youtube in many ways.

• They hog space and bandwidth.
• They require review effort because of constant flagging.
• They have users who do not click on ads.
• They have users who do not buy the kind of things advertisers are promoting these days.

But Youtube is not censoring these users, just quality checking them and providing a better experience to their advertizers. If one is to protest about this practice, they should start with promotional content on news platforms.

Some of the affected users, like DeFranco, have built actual real-world businesses bases on their brand. They will do just fine. Others, will not likely get anywhere. It seems like controversial Youtubers gather a lot of views but also have fan bases that seem to hate watch them and abuse them in the comments. It's weird. But, as an example, MrRepzion is threatening to go back to school over this, and posting about being fucked in the ass by Youtube on Gay PornHub... it seems he will have to call his own bluff and go back to school.