yes... exactly this. Also utilize their high-tier partners, like the ones they're testing memberships, & premieres w/ before it rolls out. Compensate them for the test & enjoy actual results that aren't just a blob of data from vids that might not need thumbs in the 1st place
It's just that, and honestly I don't even really care about this test, you would have to assume by now that they know everything they admit to testing will have a loud response. So why not prepare and orchestrate in a way that doesn't rile up the active users and creators