Someone sent this to me awhile ago re: Market Makers, the article provided the following explanation for the low volumes. If it was Market Manipulation the volume would be high and moving very fast.
Low Volume Share Code: (only a guideline as they can change this at any time)
100 I need shares.
200 I need shares badly, but do not take the stock down.
300 Take the price down so I can load shares
400 Keep trading it sideways.
500 Gap the stock. This gap can be either up or down, depending on the direction of the 500 signal.
Rogers