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
Way to overthink this. You do realize taking checkmarks away isn't going to change the feeling of "endorsement". In fact you are making it even more exclusive than it already was.