just because the overall economy is better off (often measured in GDP) doesn't mean it is better off for all existing residents (e.g. GDP/capita).. even from a pure free-market perspective, distribution of wealth is not so market driven especially in the short term and when massive distortions deliberately exist in the marketplace (regulation, patents, near-monopolies, barriers, etc.)
just because the overall economy is better off (often measured in GDP) doesn't mean it is better off for all existing residents (e.g. GDP/capita).. even from a pure free-market perspective, distribution of wealth is not so market driven especially in the short term and when massive distortions deliberately exist in the marketplace (regulation, patents, near-monopolies, barriers, etc.)