There probably isn't an easy solution to these situations unfortunately - I've also been on YT for about 1 3/4 years and the amount of issues and drama and changing policies over that time has been ridiculous.

I agree with you that when money is involved though people shouldn't be downvoting just because they disagree. I don't think that should be policed or anything, but I believe it is bad etiquette. Even on reddit downvotes are primarily meant for content that doesn't contribute to discussions or is inflammatory / needlessly nasty, not things you merely don't agree with, so people shouldn't really be downvoting comments they simply don't agree with on here either if it is simply part of a discussion and everyone is being civil.