let's make an argument here, which do you think is suitable to be ranked 3rd on coinmarketcap (Binance or Cardano), I personally prefer Binance, because Binance already has products (exchange, smart chain and Nft marketplace), then of course all products from Binance are successful and in demand by many people, while product from Cardano are still coming soon, that's why I prefer Binance rather than Cardano, so what's your choice?
Personally I also prefer BNB in the 3rd position but that's only limited to liking it, because if Cardano can occupy the 3rd position on coinmarketcap, we all can't do anything about it either, because it's about trading volume that increases every day, not about how many products a coin has issued.
As for BNB and Cardano, you are right that it is not about the amount of coins the project has created. However, you are wrong, because it is not about "trading volume" but about the market cap, i.e. the value of the entire project = the value of all coins, not the amount of all coins.
And you are right, because as individuals we can't do much. It will be whales who will determine who will be in 3rd position.