I think we are failing to account for another scenario with the "shorts". That scenario would be that they are already well hedged with long stock positions and long options positions. With multiple accounts and circular trading, their NET short positions would be unknown. Only their short positions/accounts would be reported. I believe their NET short positions are far less than what is being reported.
The recent and present market pps action says to me that they are still building their hedged and long positions in stocks and options. I believe they are ready to be net long, probably are already in that position. In the meantime, what with weekly options, we can see the weekly manipulation of the pps. The shorts and the MMs are making pretty good pocket change from manipulation of the pps and working the options market. They are also probably covering and establishing their long positions at lower pps along the way.
I think that a significant change will be signaled by a decrease in basher traffic over on the Yazoo mb, perhaps even replaced with paid pumpers. If we see that happen, especially with former paid bashers, we will know they have switched sides. I think we are already seeing some of this.