I know at least some creators are well aware of the connection. Many have switched to other monetization platforms (Patreon and Twitch subscriptions being two big ones) and written off YouTube entirely as a reliable income stream. (That is, they continue posting on YouTube, but mainly to grow their viewer base, not to make money.)

But I think you're right that a majority are probably only aware of the Adpocalypse in the abstract, if that.