Also, the IP range block fix does work. Just tried it and significantly improved my buffering speed (even though it's definitely non-peak times right now).
Based on the data here and the analysis, perhaps your right... it is a peering issue. It is a peering issue with YouTube reaching some customers in AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, TWC, Qwest, Cox, Cablevision, Mediacom, etc etc.
I wish we could figure out the common element in this complex problem.
