Good post.
Together we'll never get a definitive answer on what the plan was as what I do know is that they will do it again and again and then do it again as well. So when you speak to them they're not to forthcoming with the detail.
I don't want to drag this post on and on so i'll try and summarize.
Basically you had a few Insto's take this stock for a ride and it was executed beautifully, I've gone back to the 9th and 12th and you can see from the trade analysis that it was algo accumulation. Sneaky buggers even started it on a friday giving a whole weekend of social media chatter. On the 13th and 14th there was a lot of retail orders being hit (especially in the lower wicks).
Now in regards to the idea that a few Insto's are carry some bags from the pump, just maybe it was them offering the script to a new bunch of short positions because the price action on the 16th and 19th sure look that way. The rise and falls in the shorting volumes back this up.
If what you say is correct (I can't confirm at this stage) then those insto's will be banking on the ever increasing shorting fees as their windfall until LIT comes into vogue again. (when's that going to happen?)
Here's you current short position. I'm thinking that's going to be higher come Tuesday.
Apart from that I wouldn't be spending too much time trying to suss it out as you'll do your head in. I'd just be aware of the game and the signals and be prepared for it next time. For a stock to go from 55 cents to 85 cents on no significant news then it's pretty clear what happened here.
Now to keep an eye out on other LIT stocks for the same play.
And finally, here's your all important weekly chart (for loooongs).
Kind of displays the move best. From the bollie median to way outside of bollies and back to the median.
Cheers
(20min delay)