Last I checked, it was impossible to create a YT/Google account without providing a (working) phone number. Which is even worse than requiring "real names" (which can at least be spoofed).

That depends. I’ve found that, while creating an account on an iOS device, providing a phone number isn’t required, but while creating an account via a desktop browser, it is.

It will probably depend on other factors as well such as IP, country, …

It was still possible as of six months or so ago, who knows what factors Google takes into account to decide whether to require a phone number or a simple email.