It just might be that lot of users watch same videos multiple times. They must have some data on this and see that recommending same videos gets more views than recommending new ones.

Is there a way to tell if people are seeking out the same video or or if they are watch it because it was suggested? Especially when 90% of the recommendations are repeats?

There isn't even an "I've watched this" or "don't suggest this video anymore" option. You can only say "I'm not interested" which I don't want to do because it will seems like it will downrank the entire channel.

Even if that is the case, I rarely watch the same video, so the recommendation engine should be able to pick that up.

I work for YouTube. You’re hired.