But I don't think traders made as much as someone simply holding crypto from early 2017. Not saying this works in the long run!
They make a ton, if they know how to trade, holding does not make you more money, traders will sell and buy a deep, so they will get even more, so is a matter of good decisions, you are more passive, you just buy, and hold, and don't take advantage of the ups and down, cryptoflix and most ICOs, if not all, are being damaged by the bear market of BTC, and until the bullish start again, this will remain the same.
No, you dont make everytime more money, if you trade up and downs. Why?
1. You have to pay tax, which is not cheap in some countrys.
2. If a bullrun comes a daytrader will sell after a little win and miss the big raising
3. You sometimes want to buy cheap and the price is falling deeper, then you have to decide if you sell in loss or if you wait. If you wait, you cant trade with your full amount of money.
If you sell in loss, your win will be fewer.
and 4.
If a trader would make more money as a hodler, everybody here would trade, I am sure.
The only thing is about the quality of the person's skill.
You cant compare two different strategies, the point you mentioned above arent a sure thing.