For noobs, HODLing is a term used for "holding" your assets (here: Bitcoins) for a very long time. But, isn't it true that those who bought it at $500 once should have sold it at $20k peak, and if not, why didn't they sell at $15k? BTC didn't crash all at once and they had the opportunity to sell and wait for another opportunity. A $15k per BTC against a $500 BTC - means a 30x return itself. And BTC crashed to $3k, if not $3k, then these hodlers would have bought back at $6k which is even less than half of $15k as they would also have added a lot more liquidity to the markets with too much money on the table. Isn't it true that too long a hodl can stop you from taking great opportunities while sitting dumb and waiting for a specific target?
Everything needs planning and strategy. Sloths who just want to hold and have big profits will be like the case you mentioned.
For me, I'm a holder, but always outlined plans to adapt to the market. If I buy BTC at 500 $, I will sell 25% when it goes to 1500, I will keep selling 25% if it goes to 2500 $, and so on. that is how we stay profitable and not afraid of loss when the price of BTC drops below the $ 500 mark.
so don't pool all of the holders and then judge them. Experience and knowledge will be the decisive factor for an investor.