You seem to put a lot of faith in gold stocks leading gold lower.
This relationship is not always perfect.
Gold is holding support.
Average gold juniors and explorers are down 65-80% from their highs.
IMO anyone in cash and beginning to accumulate quality in this sector at these levels is not taking on a lot of risk as downside is limited.
If you believe the gold bull market is totally dead, then these shares will be horrible, but if gold resumes its strength in the next couple of years, then it will be a "multi bag" situation.(my current view)
IMO i believe smart money is in gradual accumulation mode at these levels based on valuation and terrible sector sentiment.