because we want larger screens
what? why? they're already bigger than one hand -- way too big! Get a computer
It caters to a very specific target group: voice calls[1] and looking at a lot of information at once[2].
[1]: Mediocre folded experience doesn't bother them
[2]: Think calendars and whatever else middle managers look at
Why get a computer if you just want to read or watch videos?
youtube with ublock origin is a game changer.
Or you can pull up VLC and peruse your collection of locally-stored content
On Android you can just patch and recompile the native youtube app on your phone to disable ads with ReVanced.