So many truths in here dude. I am a 2017 starter so was just in time to see everything rocket and crash and burn. As you also mention, I stayed at that point, kept writing and grinding and also kept getting small bags. These bags are nice now and i am happy with them.
Would I buy something now? Neh not really, because now everything feels like overpriced already versus the step in prices from then. Also that defi...I dont really get it so I tend to stay away even though if I am missing out on a lot of cash. It is just too scary for me. Choose the battles you are willing to play.
I am mentally preparing for some cash moments in aug/sept/okt
Sometimes we just gotta hang in there. I think we all learned a lot in 2017 till now. It was a great time to be in crypto. I learned a lot about trading and bear markets since.
I find DeFi confusing as hell also, plus those gas fees. I'm sitting on the sidelines for that this time around also. I'll be making it a point to learn more about it when things settle down though. I get the general idea, but now definitely doesn't feel like the right time to enter and learn.
I like that time frame also. I'll be watching everything closely looking for signs of a market reversal towards the end of the summer for sure.