For most people, the simplest and probably the safest are the inflation adjusted bonds, TIPS or I-bonds

Yes, I agree.

I do not agree, though, that one need be a conspiracist (is that a word?) to be suspect of BLS statistics. A little skepticism, especially in the world of finance, can be a good thing.

In any case,  I'm not personally worried no matter what lies ahead economically. I've covered myself for contingencies to the best of my abilities, and, hey, I've been poor before, and in my case, 'twernt all that bad.