I think a major source of the loss of wages and benefits despite a higher than ever per-capita GDP is an insane increase in rent seeking by government and land

I think a major source of the loss of wages and benefits despite a higher than ever per-capita GDP is an insane increase in rent seeking by government and land owners. When taxes, fees, fines, and rent all go up, small business owners are forced to cut into something to make the books balance. You can see spaces looking like Golem's cave renting for $15k a month. It's tempting to say they should just raise prices, however they are competing with massive organizations that can run at a loss for decades and have capital to burn. There is just no way anyone will pay $30 a plate for hole in the wall Mexican food when they have to pay rent on their $2000 a month 1 BR apartment. Especially when Chipotle down the street is offering comparable food for $10 a plate.