Insider trading very much exists in crypto trading and mostly goes without ramification at the moment unfortunately. I seriously doubt anyone on this forum has access to that inside information for PBC though. However, he has released hints that have led to successful calls in the past. Because this has pumped coins prior to the actual release date, he has tightened releasing any hints.
Trading based on PBC has been, for better or worse, profitable for many people. Given their track record of picking some good projects, people have focused on the picks that had massive returns other than the majority that haven't had such significant returns. As such, it's generated a lot of hype and his calls have become someone of a self-fulfilling prophecy in the short term.
He does put work into his picks and doesn't just pick random projects to pump. So yes, it has become a group that pumps but for the most part, he has largely chosen quality projects....with a few exceptions I have noticed.