Asuming HF's have been wash trading, they're only digging themselves further into the hole, and would ultimately be forced to repay the profits. Since this cycle will continue pending the outcome of a successful enforcement proceeding, this is tail-wagging predictive outcomes. Basically, they are chum to the sharks and will be bled dry quickly. Boxed in, and that box keeps getting smaller and smaller. Now look at the options chain, and imagine you are one of the HF round trippers, you'd do anything possible to crush sentiment. Having already tipped their hand, you have all of the leverage. So ignore the fear-mongering and think about how to harness this gift.