"However, we've all seen what happens to institutions that short BTC over the long term."

No. BTC hasn't existed for a long term. It hasn't existed as long as a standard mortgage. What can you extrapolate from such a short term? Not much.

The real black pill isn't that the 'big boys' have perspective on events that we plebs can't, but the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation. That corporation actually owns all the stonks. When people 'buy stonks' they don't get them. The DTCC does, and the 'buyers' get a receipt, a mere promise to pay.

"It performs the exchange of securities on behalf of buyers and sellers and functions as a central securities depository by providing central custody of securities."

They don't relinquish custody to buyers, but maintain it, and simply provide receipts.

A promise to pay. Guess how much that promise is worth?

"In reaction to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, on March 3, 2022, DTCC blocked Russian securities from the Bank of Russia and The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation."

Absolutely nothing.

Thanks!