If you find youtubers talking about it, they all fully agree that making these thumbnails is soul draining and they are totally aware how stupid they are. But they are also aware that click-through rates fall off a cliff when you don't use them. Humans are mostly dumb, it's up to you if you want to use it to your advantage or to your detriment.

Not only actively promotes React which is forgivable, but also every framework or unnecessary piece of npm software that pays him enough.

His videos also have 0 substance and now are mostly article reading, which is also forgivable if you add valuable input but that’s never the case with him.

People say his technical opinions can/are bought for the right price or clicks.

vercel shill

rejecting an opinion doesn't mean you have to hold the opposite stance, just that their opinion should hold 0 weight.