There is nothing like the price increase coming from a wider adoptionrate...
The only rational explanation for the volume on vircurex is that they are freshly deposited coins. You can't trade with frozen funds.
As to why...it could be someone just decided to start investing a ton of money in alt-coins, with or without the intention of selling them back on cryptsy as others become interested and start speculating. There's been very little down pressure on those coins lately, so they may have had enough waiting.
Ok, so why pay double or triple?
Is it that hard to open an account on other exchanges or are Vircurex customers so loyal to vircurex after having all their funds frozen?
Good question. The price is lower on mcxnow as well. It is a little weird.
Could depth be the issue?
Maybe. But thinking about it more:
BTC is still locked up on Vircurex
By trading BTC for things like DVC, withdrawals can be made
Even at a 3x markup, let's say they have 150 BTC. They can withdraw 50 BTC (via DVC and selling on other exchanges) or let their 150 BTC sit on Vircurex where it may or may not ever actually be able to be withdrawn.
I think this may be what's happening.