It's almost like the algorithm is constantly testing the waters just in case I'm suddenly more receptive to being radicalized into that particular world view.
Sounds like a conspiracy theory.
On the other hand, I do see a lot of left-wing garbage, and YouTube leadership is known to lean in that direction.
Be glad. It depends on many factors what videos "the algorithm" thins you want to watch. Location, videos you already watched, probably gmail mail contents, purchase history from google pay, music you like... the list is endless and iam sure even for some google engineers not transparent at all. And don't you dare click on the wrong video by mistake! A simple dislike isnt gonna get you out of that hole.
Iam actually mostly fine because I barely watch youtube and ads and suggesstions are only one reason.
My theory is that the algorithm has figured out that even people who don't like him can still fall down the rabbit hole. And when they do, they become hyper-engaged. Which makes the Hail Mary attempt worth it.
If I want to explore certain videos I make a habit of copying the link, opening a new window in Private Mode (in whatever browser), and viewing it through that: no sense 'contaminating' my preferences with exploratory paths. Even for some channels that I like occasionally (reaction stuff for (e.g.) Blind Wave) I often do it in private mode so that I don't get flooded with the genre.
Every so often I have to declare 'Youtube bankruptcy' by deleting my cookies and then manually going to a view channels that I know gear towards my general preferences (personal finance (not investing), history, IT/tech, urban planning, etc).
By contrast, Twitter is always showing me controversial tweets from people I don't follow. But then that's mostly why I use the site, to enjoy the arguments and drama.