Like you said, the problem is people are powering down to cash out their STEEM because of rising prices after such a long time. They're not thinking long term and just want the quick benefit.
This is why we're losing minnows almost as fast as we're making them.
Then I am happy for them as those are ones that are not thinking long term. The long term accounts is what is going to tie up Steem and add value. Unfortunately these accounts powering down have no idea as it will be harder to earn Steem in the future and they are not thinking. Easy come, easy go for some I suppose.
You have a point. It's going to be a lot harder in the future to earn STEEM and the ones who are thinking long term, will be the ones who benefit later!