^^ I got worried the way you started the post. But you reached to right conclusion that his videos are not known to be "technically superior", but "interesting to watch".
He have inspired many to pursue IT as their career. He have inspired many to build their own PC, and now he probably can (or atleast have the capability to) influence product manufacturers to certain extent, all while maintaining the same level of enthusiasm he initially had a decade ago.
This video of him talking about "environmental issues", "death", and saying that his company would run fine even if he is hit by a bus, probably signifies that he have a serious case of mental fatigue and burnout. But it probably also comes out as genuine concerns over the fact that his videos seems to promote "mindless" consumerism, which was not his intention.
We as a tech consumer always want flashy gadgets, latest mobile and other dozen things that make our lives easier/geekier/to show-off. But we don't always get out there and get ourselves whatever we want, mostly because we don't have the budget to go after it, but somewhere at the back of our minds we are also aware how technology is taking it's toll on the environment.
He talked about how, even if his videos portrays otherwise, he himself might not go after all of those stuff to buy for himself. He probably has so much tech, that he probably blames himself atleast partly for the things going wrong on this planet (example, Australia bush fire).
Sharing Linus's age and interest, I think I relate to him at a deeper level. And that's why I think I am perfectly ok for him to take some time off, or even remain only in the background and do guest appearances.