It has occurred to me that given bitcoin is no longer a shorting opportunity, all the bears and noisy trolls seem to have vacated the building 

I don't see too much bear talk here last time.
You should notice that last bubbles was made with very help Willie the bot.
So I wouldn't bet that we'll hit previous bubble-scheme soon just because people are bull-biased and remeber well Gox bubbles.
Ofc you saw chart of Willie buys?
