The number of people that exited crypto currency this year is when it was at the peak.
Many, I repeat many left crypto this year and might not come back.
I don't really agree with you on this. It is very rare to see anyone who have already tasted crypto especially at its peak to leave and never returned.
What gives crypto curency demands

HYIP platforms, ponzi platforms, Matrix platforms, etc. All these have faded and ended.
Same time 2016 btc was on the go despite the xmas cash out because there was high demand based on the above listed platforms functioning well.
This is very true. The popularity of Ponzi schemes back then especially MMM gave Bitcoin a very huge boost due to its high demand by people who needed to use it in such ponzi schemes instead of fiat.