For me claw machines require little skill to play, as everything depends from how owner set claw strength. User can simply randomly move controller and randomly choose item. If claw closing strength is enough, it will hold the prize like close grip. But in most cases we see how claw shakes and drops the prize the next second claw was closed. However that is ok. Low skill requirement is perfect for everyone to try to win the prize.
How does one determine though if the claw strength can be adjusted or controlled? I've tried all those YouTube hacks in claw machines including the ones you've mentioned but I just end up being frustrated with my tokens gone. I do see some people being able to get small prices but the ones that are a bit pricey? Haven't seen any take home a price. I look at it as a scam because I haven't won anything from the time I started playing, lol.
If you havent wont anything that does not mean this is a scam. You have said it yourself - you saw people winning small prizes. Claw machines are sort of gambling, when you know the machine is rigged, you know that owner is going to cheat you, but you still try your luck and try to get the prize with minimum attempts. It is possible to get any prize from that machine, gamblers just need to be more persistent. A lot of people try to get prize with first attempts, with spare change they have, as well as they dont this game serious. That is why they lose and call it scam. I dont use this machines frequent, as I rarely have coins and they dont accept cards. But in a tourist places abroad, I have managed to get plush toys several times.