We are not in a bear market. We are in a market where the big guys make more money on dumps than price increases. And dumps are SO much easier.
Of course it is a bear market. If you are supposing that some wealthy entities are enforcing intentionally the bear market. Yes, very likely. But they can only do this as the demand is not strong enough. One other wealthy entity saying "Okay, fine. This price is more then a fair value, I will buy all coins offered for this price" bear market is done instantly. Why it did not happen yet? Are all big players (early adopters, institutional buyers, hedge funds, VCs etc.) are forming a conspiracy? All of them?
I would rather deal with wallet street than bitcoin markets.
Bitcoin is a hardcore market. Let the bear market, or in your term "manipulation market" do what it wants to do. You can sell, you can buy, you can hold, but one thing you better should prevent - to get effected by it.