It was just as an example, but with 500 btc u can easily sell, then make the market fall and buy back when the price is lower. If you are working in groups, as those who manipulate the price are, then they will make lots of profit and just manipulate the system as much as possible.
Imo, they are the big early adopters, not someone with 10 bitcoins which they bought for $1 each or so. They are early adopters to, but in a smal amount.