I definitely don't recommend s4s in the broad sense. However, in a limited sense where you know the positive/negative of the strategy, it may bootstrap some growth. R4R is the next level above s4s, where you make genuine relationships with like minded channels and watch each others' videos, share playlist, collaborate on topic ideas, etc. R4R has the benefit that if the relationships are genuine, it would increase watch time and associations between channels. So if you're in a group of 10 channels doing r4r, and one starts to grow, assuming they still keep to the relationship, you may get follow on traffic effects from playlists and continuing to collab on video ideas.
S4s's only real benefit, 2 perhaps, is it creates the psychological impression for "real" viewers that your channel has some decent numbers. I think people have an aversion to sub if a channel is under 1k, perhaps 2k. So if you show those numbers, viewers may be more inclined, as they see the channel is committed and has passed the initial hurdles. The other benefit, is you will get some views, but at very low retention. I would argue this does not really matter in the very early startup phase, as your retention is likely very low anyways (our was for sure, about 10-15% from memory). If s4s is adopted, I would only do it for the first 1k-2k subs. That level of s4s would give you about 200-300 views per video, as many s4s channels are curious to check out what you are doing, your quality, and leave a comment. Doing that gives you 10-20% retention before they click off.
I'm not advocating you do the s4s strategy, just laying out the strategy and how many channels do do it. If you can build some r4r relationships with like minded committed channels at the below 1k sub level, and work together. I think it's vital to hit 2k subs as soon as possible. I have always seen growth start to happen once you get to that minimum critical mass of subs. Generally, at 2k subs, at 10% views you get 200 views/video. That places you above the 50,000 other channels doing the same thing getting 10-50 views/video. This thing is a pure numbers game, the better your numbers, the higher your positions are (on suggested, in feeds, in search, channel authority, etc, etc).
Trend following does get expensive, especially toy trends. When we started I ended up purchasing about 10 Thomas sets, and countless accessories. It's expensive when you get 200 views a video and make $1 for a days work. That's why skits would be cheaper to some extent, but to execute the "really cool" skits, say Vlad Crazyshow style, would still need a sizeable investment in on camera and off camera resources. Of course someone like ToysToSee do many skits that don't require expensive props, so they are a good channel to model as well. You can also do the current hot trend - lava challenge, that doesn't require anything apart from petrol to drive around. Make it cool, stick the kids in somewhere no one has done before, could be good! It ain't easy nor cheap running a channel, actually it's quite expensive on some days!
) lol we live and we learn though and now I know better 
. I've thought of getting professional channel art and intro/outros done, but I just can't part with her hard work, I'm glad to see someone likes it. Thanks again for everything! 
