This is such an excellent point, and something that really gives YT an advantage. For instance, AvE certainly has some excellent information in his videos, but I personally have found the presentation style (all the channel-specific jargon & toilet humor) increasingly off-putting; while a channel like this old tony still manages humorous content without sacrificing approachablility & technical accuracy.
For another example, there have been multiple people upthread reccomending channels like Abom & OxToolco. I really enjoyed Tom Lipton's (OxTool) book "Metalworking: Sink or Swim"; I just have trouble with the typical length of the videos so I rarely watch them. None of these channels can draw a large enough audience for television, but there's enough space online for these smaller, distinct presentation styles.
A sibling lives near an old industrial center; he drives truck for Sysco. We occasionally discuss different careers. Tool & die makers near him don't make more than truck drivers.
I'm sure there are some examples -- if you can do eg old-style timber framing for people who can afford 10-inch old growth timber and want 30+ foot ceilings, there will always be a handful of well-paying gigs.
But how common are these jobs for people at the, say, 70th percentile of skill rather than 95th?
I think the subtext of the article which is that skilled tradespeople are to be admired just as much as skilled professionals (doctors, lawyers, Etc.) is sometimes overlooked.
For young people, especially those who have been told that a STEM job is the only job you can excel at and get respect, this message needs to be surfaced more often. You can be respected and in demand and well paid by mastering a skill that takes practice and experience. You don't need an expensive college degree, you just need a solid mentor.