> Seek? In the grand scheme of things asking forgiveness only applies if you're going to not be that transformative

That’s not why I said.

> something like YouTube's automated copyright strikes might affect you. "Ask Forgiveness" is often a better option.

Now you’re talking about platform quirks rather than copyright law.

> Fair use is a defense, not a requirement

Actually “fair use” is defined by law in a lot of counties. It’s not a defence, it’s a legal right.

> You don't need permission to claim fair use;

That’s not what I said.

> it's a legal defense if you're sued Seeking permission can backfire

It’s spelt “defence” (with a C not an S) and the point is you seek permission before distribution, not after

Not everything in life follows the “ask for forgiveness not permission” rule ;)

> Copyright holders may deny permission even when fair use would apply, creating unnecessary barriers.

Copyright holders cannot deny fair use in jurisdictions where fair use laws apply.

The difference between Seek and Ask Forgiveness in the situation outlined is that Seek lays out costs before hand and generally they are minimal, and Ask Forgiveness can determine costs at the will of the person sampled or remove the work completely from circulation.