Daveytod, this is sad to see that you are giving up, you must feel it's your own project and all. But I guess you know what you are talking about and I hope you will get support by other pro from the board. I support you in your decision if this is what you want, for the best of the preservation projects

Youtube file size limit is 100 mb max and there is a lenght max too I think it's 10 minutes? And yes, it changes the quality to make it streamable. Keep in mind that torrent is the future!