It’s been going downhill for a long time. Popular content do the same as tv-cable network where they try to generate outrage. If the videos I watch start to change in ways I don’t like I just move on which is what I think people should do. Decrease in viewership will definitely be noticed. Luckily, the creators I follow have stayed the same where they are a one person or small group who create videos to inform or for entertainment.

I think it depends on the front end you are using

Try removing the battery and then power cycling the laptop. Without some kind of electronic diagnostic tool or thermal camera you won’t be able to quite accurately tell what is going on sorry to say.