As I understand that the narrative emphasis on wage reports has always been on the gross median salary – why the sudden apparent switch to total wage change now? Of course the real total wage change of 3.9 per cent looks much better than the real gross median salary increase of just 0.8 per cent.

In my view, the right answer is a combination of the three methods, and to use the modern tools to achieve it. A wage panel can be formed to determine the recommended wages for the various types of jobs, after considering the inputs of the workers, relative difficulties of the jobs, and adjusting the wages yearly based on supply and demand (i.e. market forces).
Employers are allowed to employ workers within a margin from the recommended wages.