We don't know how effective the futures are on this market. After the peak in 2013 there was a perfectly similar correction dragging the market down for quite a long period of time, especially for crypto standards, and that without futures. We need at least a year or two to see the real effect of these futures markets, and eventually I do believe that they will heavily weigh on Bitcoin's market with how institutions will gain an upper hand.
I think right now it's safe to say that those dealing with futures are just as afraid as most people here are. In other words, futures traders are afraid of Bitcoin manipulation, and Bitcoiners are afraid of futures traders manipulation.
It's all too much of a coincidence to me. I mean the price had to crash eventually, but it turns out it basically started around exactly when CME launched the futures... it could have been exactly the same without the futures launch and $20k was the legit, organic peak for that run, or perhaps it was just getting started and they cut it... who knows? we can never know since there is only one timeline that we can perceive at least.
I have no doubts that the theory weights at least some value. I mean look at the charts, how come these other assets also peaked right when the CME launched their futures? looks like manipulation to me. They keep these assets low while they keep fiat-friendly stocks and bonds up. Our job is to amass as much BTC as possible during this bear market as noobs get kicked out by them, we must be ready because next time it starts rising it will dwarf previous highs and they will not be able to control it anymore. Real money always win in the long term. Bitcoin, gold, silver, all good to go, but biggest massive gains on BTC obviously.