I don't use YouTube as a discovery platform. I go search for very specific things, or watch linked videos. I don't subscribe to channels either, if it's something I like I'll go and have a look when I have free time for some videos.
I don't know if this is common use pattern or not, but NewPipe is close to perfect for me.
I don't particularly want to increase my YouTube time and I don't have a need to find new videos actively, but often some comment for example here in HN suggests a video/channel I do like. Is that what you were asking?
I don't know if this is common use pattern or not, but NewPipe is close to perfect for me.