Re: You should just download your favorite YouTube content
I can't disagree with this post, however it should be clear that if Google really wanted to crack down on yt-dlp they could do so. If enough people use this method it will break. And some people might use it sparingly, while others just try to download a whole playlist at 4k. Some people are noisier. The yt-dlp team has been engaged in a game of cat and mouse for years, and if google really wants to put their resources to bear, they can squash it. I suppose almost nothing would prevent more manual methods: directly recording the output of your sound card, etc.
But, the window is closing in more ways than one. Another strategy would be to wean yourself off of youtube. I'm no fan of Amazon, but you can actually still purchase MP3 files from them. Other storefronts offer this option as well. And of course physical CD sales still exist. Why am I talking about music on a video platform? Because some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard is trapped there, and not for sale anywhere. One day, for sure, this will no longer be on youtube. The question is just how soon.