I think the influence of whales is often over-stated. If prices start to plummet, I think this is often because a small drop has triggered a mass panic, and a lot of people are selling small amounts. It's not the case that every time crypto drops in price the cause is some nefarious billionaire. Of course crypto markets can be manipulated, particularly with low volume coins, but I think actual reasons for price changes are more mundane and more due to a herd mentality and to people being understandably jittery and trigger-happy given what has happened with previous crashes.