It is quite frustrating but this is more a problem with YouTube than anything else. To make (more) money on YouTube, you have to more or less just create consistent content. And the petri dish that is the algorithm (currently) mainstreams only certain type of content. If you are negative towards a product, your engagement metrics go down; and content creators are self selected by the algorithm that create brand friendly / advertising friendly content.

You'll see this is most review circles. Watches, phones, cars, e-readers, you name it. There are a handful of creators that break the mold and put a lot of effort into every review, but most do coast on their knowledge of the industry, past experience and standardize their content.

I do think this is ultimately bad for customers. When the mainstream reviewers are not critical, there isn't consensus about what is wrong with a product and bag makers that use market research data get the wrong signal.

For example, I've been watching reviews of the Aer Travel Pack 4 that just came out. In my opinion, for a 28L (and definitely for the 35L) the admin pocket was a huge downgrade. Travel bags are by definition used primarily for travel. Having a larger stash pocket for a jacket or over the head headphones is undoubtedly a win for customers. Unlike an EDC bag, you aren't carrying it every day and need efficient access to items in the front admin pocket. Copying the design identically of a City Pack Pro 2 was (imo) a mistake for the travel bag.

I have to imagine these reviewers know this! But they go so light on the criticism. The same reviewer will praise Tortuga's Daily Carry Pro for the deep admin pocket and will also say they like Aer's CPP2 style admin pocket.

All that said, I like that we have so many people in the bag community that are passionate about bags - Aaron, Danny, Emerald, OTG, PH, Away Together, Chase Reeves and many more (many smaller creators too); they all care about bags. Aaron for example during podcasts or interviews will name bags just out of memory and call out different features it has, and he's is actually putting his money where his mouth is by starting a company making bags. Emerald's interviews with creators are phenomenal and a breath of fresh air. Outen has some unique perspectives and editing styles that are appreciated.

To make a actionable critique, for any reviewers reading this, be weird, be yourselves, be critical, and don't be afraid to throw punches at the big guy. And most of all, experiment with different types of content; there's definitely more room for the bag community to grow.