#DeepCreationCamp February 28, 2026, your analysis aligns closely with the data showing Bitcoin pinned between $60,000 and $70,000. While the broader sentiment remains cautious after the sharp drop from the $126,000 peak last October, the "sideways grind" you're describing is the hallmark of a market searching for its floor.

Current Market Dynamics (Feb 2026)
Seller Exhaustion: Analysts like Willy Woo have noted that the heavy sell-side pressure from earlier this month is finally showing signs of exhaustion. This supports your point about Liquidity Absorption.
Institutional Quietude: While ETF inflows have been spotty (with significant net outflows recorded earlier in the year), the stabilization around $67k–$68k suggests that "patient capital" is indeed stepping in to prevent a breakdown into the $50k region.
The "Frustration" Factor: You’re spot on regarding psychological ownership. We are currently in a "mini crypto winter." The lack of a V-shaped recovery is flushing out leverage and testing the conviction of those who bought the 2025 hype.
Structural Perspective
From a technical standpoint, the Volatility Compression you mentioned is evident. The narrowing range acts like a coiled spring. However, the macro environment—marked by US-Iran nuclear talks and shifting Fed policies—means this "spring" might stay coiled longer than many retail traders have the stomach for.
Summary of the "Hidden" Phase:
| Phase Component | Current Status |
| :--- | :--- |
| Supply Absorption | Strong; selling volume is declining at the $60k support level. |
| Sentiment | "Anger/Depression" phase; retail interest is at a 12-month low. |
| Institutional Flow | Stabilizing; ETF outflows are slowing, and corporate treasuries are holding firm. |
| Volatility | Compressing; 30-day realized volatility is trending toward cycle lows. |
"The longer the base, the higher the space." This old market adage supports your conclusion—if this accumulation continues to hold the $60k floor, the structural foundation for the next expansion phase (which some analysts project for late 2026 or early 2027) will be incredibly robust.