Google+ is now forced.

[DaphYinArt]

Go to Youtube settings, make sure you're on the overview tab, click disconnect Google+ profile.
Then you're finished!

Exactly!
I didn't like the fact that they merged either so I simply disconnected!

 

[Callum Rollingson]

You can disconnect it, but it's not as easy to do as it used to be, they've moved the option elsewhere, and I can't remember where that is exactly, sorry, but maybe someone else knows.

 

[CatsRants]

yeah it did this to me when I made my channel in February! Very annoying!!

 

[Itskamren]

If you go to make a new channel then you will be forced with crappy Google+ and you CANNOT disconnect from it. Youtube is going downhill, one channel happened and now this! WHAT NEXT!!?

one channel was one of the best features youtubes done in a while its much more interactive than the old layout....

 

[Hummie]

I wish I could connect my Google Plus "page" to my Youtube channel. It wants me to connect my personal page only. I've chosen to connect the accounts, but keep my Google Plus user name. It's almost like a survey it seems to me when I'm given the choice as they are trying to learn what people want.