It should be easy to know when you’ve found the official YouTube channel of a creator, artist, brand, or public figure. So in late October, we’re updating what it means for channels to be “Verified” w/ new eligibility criteria & a new look. Details → https://yt.be/help/3QfB pic.twitter.com/JXOvMbkbns
"We don't want to endorse" But your second restriction is essentially a popularity contest. It's more of an endorsement then the previous requirements ever were! Just change the check to the dumb UI element you want, but leave the requirements alone.