I agree completely with you on the price coming down being a great buying opportunity. I don't think everyone looks at it that way, but I certainly do. My point is that you guys have kept people excited in a period of time when many would be normally bummed out. So you are helping with retention since many will not feel how we do when prices drop.
I agree also on @ned's power down being for a reason other than cashing out. However as you said, his lack of commentary will lead many people to assume the worst. Again, your game is helping many to ignore his lack of transparency.
Finally, I personally don't care if anyone ever wants to sell anything (steem, or anything else), that is how we establish a true price and I welcome anyone to sell at any time so that the buyers get the best price possible. In other words, I like buying on sale ;)