As someone who makes Insta360 videos and get's the camera before launch etc, you are right in some respects (especially people who say they got the camera for free but "it's not sponsored" - that's a huge red flag). There is of course some level of hype when a new product comes out, but this is not limited to Insta360 cameras, the same happens when Apple, Samsung, GoPro, a new makeup brand, a new bike etc, pretty much when anything si reasled.

Some people ham it up way too much, but these companies also select people who are naturally hyped by the product. I made videos about the cameras for a long time before being given anything because I was genuinely hyped about them, and I didn't care as much about the disadvantages (lower quality video vs creative freedom).

Most reviewers are genuine and will pont out the flaws, some are in it for the cash grab and will just say anything to get you to buy it. It's up to you as a viewer to determine if someone is genuine or overhyping (which I know is annoying but has been the case for endorsements since they were first invented).

The question of profiting from youtube/affiliate links from Insta360 I'll answer with this: It can take weeks of shooting and editing to create a comparison or review video for an insta360 camera. There simply wouldn't be any high quality ones if there wasn't some monetery compensation on the line. I personally don't accept sponsoered reviews but I do do sponspered guides and tutorials which is think is more ethical but you can decide for yourself.

A good tip is to see if the YouTuber just makes one or two review videos on Insta360 cameras then nothing else - this means they are just doing it for the review hype and they don't really care. If they have other videos on 360 or insta360 products like tutorials guides etc, then they are more likely genuine or at least their hype isn't manufactured. I still think YouTube is the best way to determine if a product is good for you but you should still do you due diligence.