Sorry but by that logic there is no point in any investment mechanism. Historically GIC rates have been the oposite of what you claim www.ratehub.ca/blog/the-history-of-gic-rates/ . For example in 1995 GICs paid 7.1% vs the inflation rate of 1.7%.

I think the odd position that it is “mathematically” impossible to have any expectation of return is indicative of our messed up system.