Thanks for the info on 1. as mentioned, I'm all the time pausing a scene to look at things in the background or writing on a paper that flys by fast.. to see the jokes the producers put in.
2 - I just found this on reddit.. sure it doesn't fix the issue directly but I will keep this tab open on my phone or maybe keep a tablet by the couch with it open now.
https://streamingtvguides.com/YouTube-TV/Guide
3 - Seems YTTV made a change about a year ago and you should be able to select the DVR version of shows on all the following shows
The full list of channels that now support playback choice are as follows: AMC, BBC America, SundanceTV, IFC, WE tv, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, Fox News, Fox Business Network, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Big Ten Network, Fox RSNs, NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, Golf Channel, Olympics Channel, MSNBC, Syfy, USA Network, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Universal Kids, Comcast RSNs, Universo, Telemundo, CNN, HLN, TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, and TruTV.
The key is though, you have to have recorded the shows. if you signup for YTTV and say you want to binge watch a show or older than current episodes. they will all be OD only.
Is this what you have experienced?