The VIP membership - things like that and high level Patreon sponsorships just prey on people who are lonely and want to gain their favourite influencer's favour. It makes me feel so uncomfortable how the influencers knowingly set out to fleece these people and allow them to think they are 'friends' when it's all about cash.
Adam is taking the 'Adam Hattan' brand too far now. I generally give Influencers a pass with merch, as a viewer I like knowing that I have given a little something back to the channel I enjoy. But right now, Adam barely has a channel and is instead just a brand.
I bought one of his guides (despite the fact I could have written a better one myself) because I enjoyed his Disney vlogs and I wanted him to be able to afford to make more. But why would anyone want an Adam Hattan hoodie right now?! What do you get back from it other than lining Adam's pockets?!