How many people actually participate in the ICO stage of new alts? It would appear the obvious answer is a lot, considering the amount of money they raise. But isn't better to wait for the first storm to pass and then jump on after all the hoopla?
Not everyone , but some of them are participating on bounty, if the project is feasible, possible to stay and be competent on the market and have the future backed by a business or company and well known team is usually the ICOs that gets the support from the community.
Regarding to the participation on the ICO stage or after the ICO, it depends on the ICO or investor, but most probably just what i said , Its still on the ICO, if it's good then it should receive the love and support it should get.