1) "he said as much" is your interpretation. It's not what he said.
2) Meh. In other words, you're changing the meaning. $10 more a week at the beginning of a period of inflation and no raises by the end of the period doesn't leave you better off. Being stuck in place in the economy isn't a benefit. Federal tax policy has an impact on these things.
3) See my reply to Jake.
Cheers,
Scott.