Yes, it seems that the price rise is now more healthy. the last time the price rose that much, it was really abnormal. Now the price is rising smoothly after it was corrected. But we should consider everything is still possible. Wales can manipulate the price. A sudden rise or a sudden fall in price is possible.
Whales probably are still testing if he price can get lower but i agree with you that it's preferrable for btc value to move slowly rather than pumping hard and then dumping. Many people who tried to ride the pump last december probably sold at a loss due to panic or were stuck. It will now be a test of patience for these people.