This is like suing VCR manufacturers because some people used them to record music videos off of MTV.

> suing VCR manufacturers

Might I direct you to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Corp._of_America_v._Unive....

Which ruled in favor of Sony, that making personal copies of complete TV shows which you have access to is fair use, and that makers of such devices cannot be held liable as long as there are substantial non-infringing uses.

I suspect that GP didn't pick that example randomly, because youtube-dl is a pretty close analog of a BetaMax.

Which just makes it a generic ripping site because downloading YouTube videos is breaching the usage terms of the website in general.

"You are not allowed to: access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except: (a) as specifically permitted by the Service; (b) with prior written permission from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective rights holders; or (c) as permitted by applicable law;"

> (c) as permitted by applicable law

This one alone gives you a whole bunch of reasons to download a video, at least in sane jurisdictions.