If YouTube started banning Adblockers they'd end up with really bad PR and an arms race, neither of which would sound terribly appealing (although I predict this is a policy change in the works already).

The problem with account bans is that, unlike steam accounts, YouTube accounts have no value associated with them. You ban one and another one pops up.

If I went to the drive through, and they handed me a coffee and said "that'll be $3. Would you like to pay with cash? or points?" And I just drove off, they wouldn't chase me over it, but it is absolutely still theft.

Listen, if you want to pirate content, go ahead, I can't stop you, and it's not like I haven't done it myself, but don't lie to yourself.