That is not a failure but a problem needed to be fixed. The ethereum blockchain is overloaded with many projects which keeps demanding ETH from the masses. The value of cryptocurrencies are to some extent based on the number of coins in circulation. There is always numerous transaction of ETH to support eth projects and I think that is making Hodling impossible. This is why you think the Eth is failing. The price is not encouraging tho, but its is due to its numerous projects it supports.