The problem is that at the other end there is also dysfunction. With high taxes and regulations keeping companies and profits in line the result is also a combination of structural inflation and stagnation resulting from the high cost of almost any kind of investment or operations. This is what triggered the fundamental changes which occurred from the late 70s through the 80s with Thatcher and Reagan.

It might be helpful if we could construct metrics for social function that more clearly showed when we approach extremes that interfere with business or social functions.