I was surprised to learn that they have their own streaming service, full service production agency and tech convention, and that their store sells a lot more than just t-shirts.

It seems safe to say that yes, they do want their fingers in every pie.

I mean yeah that's exactly why they've split of into multiple channels to convert a wider spectrum of content. I wouldn't be surprised if they start another channel with tech comedy skits.

Linus stepped down as CEO. He clearly just wanted someone else to make the profit-worship decisions.

Linus always wanted to be more, to go back to helping people with good guides and reviews, but he just can't seem to stop with the entertaining for long enough to actually produce high quality informational content.

Especially since you already have established places with good methodologies (gamers nexus for computer parts, hdtvtest/other professional calibrators for TVs, rtings for TVs, monitors and most electronics).