Other changes would (or at least should) likely increase the equilibrium level of liquid STEEM in the system. The current low level is due to the extreme preference for SP as a function of punitive STEEM inflation. If these changes are made hopefully adjusting that balance (and removing the extreme punitive preference) is part of the equation.

That would not only make 12 weeks more viable but would likely make the system more stable overall with respect to the sorts of 'black swan' events you describe. Still, crypto markets are highly volatile and don't necessarily have high consistent liquidity even when they are overall more liquid than Steem is today, so it will always be an issue to an extent.

BTW, thank you for bringing my attention to your comment as I found it interesting and relevant.