In this case I think OP has a possible point regarding manipulation. But I don't think it comes from OKC. I've wondered whether the whale contract holder is exacerbating moves on the quarters and then picking up the liquidations. Until the quarters get close enough to delivery, there is no hard fundamental to counter balance this. Except, of course, enough people thinking that it should trade higher. But people are a little wary at this point.

Not sure if useful, but I got margin'd as well, though there was a calculated aspect to it. Moved a portion of capital to the spot wallet as a backup. After margin occurred, transferred funds back to futures and put the position back on. Very very high risk, and certainly not something I want to be doing often (or ever again for that matter). I think my hands were numb and barely working from stress when I did it. But it was better than the alternative. Kind of felt like turning off some part of a faulty space ship before you enable warp drive.