Clearly the limitations of videos are several. Not all styles and media of communication are suited for every possible need; some are better for certain needs and not for others.

About your (rhetorical?) question now…
Is anyone considering the consequences of media formats on the searchability of our cultural artifacts?

Yes, I’ve always thought that there is nothing we gain without losing something else. The absolute searchability of written communications is good for sociologists, hypertext enhancements, deep analysis, easy intelligent searches, but not good e.g. for purely emotional expressiveness, news-coverage (on site), music communications, etc.

The euphoria about YouTube can blind us to the plain fact that video is also limited. At present, it is not searchable (a very serious drawback). On the other hand, perhaps precisely the fact it’s not searchable means that for some people it seems more free of surveillance (if this is their main concern).

You can’t get something for nothing. There is no free lunch. Even something offered free of charge can cost a LOT, in terms of one thing, which is NOT unlimited: TIME (in our mortal lives).

I hope you can use these thoughts. They costed you nothing… but your TIME! 🙂