I have successfully been monetized by Youtube twice and demonetized twice due to youtube policy changes. Thankfully I do not rely on Youtube for my income. The problem is this last policy change really put a hurt on smaller channels and in my opinion could cause the platform to stagnate. A large percentage of Youtubers give up long before they reach 1,000 subs, and who knows how many of the ones that does reach 1,000 subs will see 4,000 watched hours. Even if you do satisfy these requirements, Youtube could double those requirement numbers the following year. Its takes time and money to produce videos on a regular schedule which is key for accomplishing anything on youtube. This could also promote garbage or theft of intellectual property rights. Anyhow, affiliate programs maybe the way to go.