The truth of the matter is no where is safe.. all the coins are just fluctuating due the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. I will side with you on them going for the top coins due to their only ability to bounce back even if there is a massive dip.
I do agree with your statement and the only safe place was stable coin or crypto that backed by the commodity. Even bitcoin that for some people have already considered as the safest place is still making some newbies getting loses too. There was no safe place when it's coming to the speculation market.