Never hurts to take profit along time way. HODL is not always the best answer.
Holding is the best answer most of the time, all of those that sold their coins are going to regret it in the future when the price of bitcoin goes up once again and they find themselves without bitcoin and they will be facing a difficult decision once again, to buy again because of FOMO or accept the fact that they sold their coins and made a mistake.
Yes, HODL is much more peaceful for you mind and nerves, and offers profit enough; but of course offers worse profits then trying to catch the tide and buying and selling in right moments. But again: you know that the moment was right only after the fact.
Even holding can be more profitable than trading, what kind of holder is still in profits? Everyone that bought before November of 2017 is still in profits, only those that bought later are breaking even or losing money, but as for the traders most of them lost their money already so even a holder losing money is in better shape than most traders.