About banners and sub4sub though
I myself use end of episode banners reminding about socials and ways to support. It's not that I'm "begging" just pointing it out as a "hey here's some places to find extra content, engage and help keep my content alive". I mean we're all just trying to make it out here so it's (kinda) mostly harmless imo.
As has been mentioned (i think) it's sometimes useful to remind readers to like an episode and for people who aren't keen on banners you can just..scroll past. I remember a popular creator on WT pointing out how even with all the subs/views people didn't really hit like on an episode unless they were reminded and even if it's one aspect of engagement it does have value depending on the platform.
In regards to sub4sub i can understand where it comes from (we were all young noobs at one point) but it's level of effectiveness varies depending on why those involved are subscribing. Number chasing and obsession isn't really productive and can wear on a person but I think interactions out of genuine support or interest are more useful. Here on tapas a lot of us folow each others series and it's built a pretty cool sense of community.
In some cases yeah it looks cheesy or desperate to take certain actions but people have right to do what they think works. The results or consequences are on them. If someone doesn't like it it's their choice to pick their response but I don't think everyone who does it is some poor sap out pleading for people to engage or interact with their content.
I think if people really see an issue maybe there's a way to better format the way in series advertisement is done. As for descriptions I feel like those are barely even noticed but again find ways to better format them.
That's like one last thing I wanna point out with banners, even though some say their tacky i love the way wendycomics uses them in her comic Castle Swimmer. Simple fun and not "distracting" (plus the little fish is cute)