'No one who posts on this forum sets YouTube policy. All we can do is point to the policy as it exists.'

I appreciate that. However there is nowhere those who wish to communicate with YT or Google staff can do so directly so this is the only option, in the hope they'll see it. Policy as it exists isn't working for anyone, including staff. It's developed on the back of a very different site and just because something is one way doesn't mean there aren't other better ways. It's impossible for staff to comprehend the experience from the other side unless they're told by those who care enough and are articulate enough to do so. There are many people like myself who have invested a lot of energy and time into YouTube and it seems a shame there's no forum for our voices to be heard. It would benefit YouTube itself as much as anyone else.

It's distinctly possible for the 18+ facility to be used as a 24/7 protection if it were utilised in a more consistent and sensible way and in the hands of video makers as well as staff.