Many YT content creators are not allowed to monetize through youtube because of content policies in place. Many more are not allowed because they can't produce the minimum traffic required in the timespan given or level of followers which force clickbait content.

I'm okay removing ads because the quality of video would increase and the type of video would change

If you think about it, people that can't monetize their videos, put much less effort into making good videos. By not paying for content you're actually doing the opposite of encouraging for good quality.

Survival of the fittest, baby. If I like a video, I may donate after I watch it.

Most of the best videos I watch are made by people with some love for the topic and many obviously aren’t making bank.

And yea, for the best I buy merch or patreon or whatever.