A lot of creators have multiple revenue streams that one can support (merch, patreon, affiliate links). Not watching youtube ads does not have to mean you are hurting creators.
Not watching YouTube ads means they get less money. Yes, there are still alternatives for them to eek out some revenue, but they are making less than if you just watched the ad or got YT premium
This is anecdotal, but it seems like most career youtube creators are only relying on youtube ad revenue for a small portion of their total income. Video claims and unreliable monetization have long plagued youtube so it makes sense for creators to look to things like brand deals and patreon for the majority of their income. I’d much rather not watch ads and then compensate for it by supporting them through some other means.