Assuming those short are still looking to cover, the monkeys widening the spread is a great way to keep potential competition from traders at bay. MMs (from my experience and perspective) don't like market orders, they prefer a bid....that way they can line things up.

Right now as I write this the bid/ask is 2.34-2.41.....imo MMs would much prefer a limit order somewhere below the ask...then they can adjust, possibly moving the bid/ask higher or maybe even doing a rapid fill in hopes the buyer will think "shit....that was too easy".

Fun and games as always.