Good post and brain storming. I've felt the same way about SBD pumps, although I've always been curious if @blocktrades was somehow intentionally or unintentionally involved at the same time when they were leasing out delegated steem power like candy.

Either way, it's an interesting tail that wags the dog, because having SBD climb way above the price of Steem causes an avalanche of Steemians to trade their SBD for Steem or Steem Power, and what better way to boost ones own business than to take a small hit through the initial pump before getting it all back quickly as people suddenly all start asking "OMG, how can I instantly get my SBD traded into Steem?" And although the Steem/SBD Market is great, blocktrades is instant. That's my own theory, but no matter who was involved it has benefited everyone, and I applaud their efforts.