Another theory about why there is so little resistance to the current climb:
1) many of the largest bitcoin holders were criminals and/or money launderers; and
2) ^ have been scared away from the major exchanges due to regulation and government actions over the summer.
Haven't actually thought about this but I think it must be pretty spot on. A lot of early adopters (miners) sold their coin during the early days and a lot of criminals kept accumulating wealth and not spend it on themselves, but resupply, etc.. Now due to the crackdown on SR they aren't moving a finger.
Wouldn't be surprised if now a lot of the btc that used to be for sale (by criminals) are off the market for a while.