A bit, yes. Rtings has a vested interest to not cover a product that is sold, say, direct to consumer rather than via Amazon affiliate.

I still trust Rtings and love the website, but yeah it's totally possible that at some point they leave out a product because no revenue. I think the hit to their rep would be too big so they wouldn't, but it's always possible.

Yes, 100%.

To a degree, yes. And if the products they were covering were illegal, it would not be at all surprising to see them busted for reviews and affiliate links.

I think you’re truing to split hairs on what “reputable” means maybe?