To me, it read like a money grab and a jab at the current US administration, so it's more a political piece (it is election time) that is preaching to the choir

To me, it read like a money grab and a jab at the current US administration, so it's more a political piece (it is election time) that is preaching to the choir to get donations/subscriptions. I usually like the Guardian, but this turns me off. As you said, if it was really a genuine article trying to improve on metrics being used, it would compare similar metrics and show their limitations. GDP is a useful metric, but only when used with other metrics that show the benefits of additional production. Making more money doesn't matter if your costs rise and you end up with the same quality of life. It's kind of like comparing salaries between SF and Iowa without taking into account local costs of living. So yes, this article is weak and feels like a political piece disguised as a legitimate criticism.