I think we have a big chance to reproduce (or even surpass) NXT initial success
Nxt small number of stakeholder turned out to be advantage in manipulating prices (in nxt favor), as number of coins in circulation (on exchanges) is lower than it could have been with wider initial distribution. Add the fact that there are 4 times more Nem (and many more people will be trading on exchanges) I am not entirely sure how high would one Nem go. Plus things have changed with all crappy altcoins around. People are burnt out with buying alt clones then prices go down as developers dump big amount after initial pump.
We will see how it goes, but I am keeping expectations low.
I'd say that would be a long term bonus. It would make for a much deeper and more widespread market.
Any initial price explosions are likely to be very modest compared to more constricted coins, but it would make a functioning and realistic market that could last without ridiculous swings.