So I am finally getting closer. For (hopefully) the time being I reverted back to Windows 8.1 in order to dodge the dreaded 100% CPU bug that this card has with Windows 10. After doing so I was finally able to play around with my capture card. My main concern right now is a significant quality loss when using AmarecTV as the video source with OBS.
Here is an image for a better understanding (OBS on top significantly worse and not the same quality as AmarecTV on bottom)
I am noticing that I need to check the box of "Custom Resolution" in OBS or else I will get the message of "the frame rate of the video capture card does not suit a preset value. neither recording nor a live function functions normally" (which I learned, among many other things from The Thrillness blog, ty btw

). I'm also noticing OBS doesn't offer YUY2 as an output when AmarecTV is set as the device, but only offers a greyed out box of RGB32? Is this my problem, is there a way to force it to appear? I am clueless in the realm of codecs, outputs, etc so I am at the mercy of those who do know and am eager to learn more. ANY help is much appreciated. Why are they not identical??