[nearbuy]

I think you're basically right, but the comment I replied to was saying they'll somehow get more of that specific user's money. While the shorts may improve retention in aggregate, this particular paying customer doesn't want them.

[gryfft]

What you want and what behaviors you may be induced toward via a nonstop campaign of unwanted UX changes are two different things.

When a pusher gives you some free drugs, they are not taking into account whether you want to be addicted to drugs. Not part of the business model.

[nearbuy]

It's possible that particular user, despite not wanting the shorts, will keep paying for YouTube for longer because they enjoy shorts. It's also possible that they genuinely don't like them and are less likely to keep paying because of them. People are different. What keeps some customers engaged can turn off others.