My question is how the current arguments over fees are resolved. We have two different sides: the miners and the traders/token holders. If the miners leave, the network transaction times will take a hit. I don't know how many of them would be willing to reduce their profit and move elsewhere.

In this case, then they would need people willing to work for the reduced prices. Its not a free lunch and there needs to be some balance in figuring things out before things get worst. But as ETH soars, so does the fees. The miners are happy but the rest are not.