Bear markets aren't forever. Prices usually turn up a year before the business cycle hits bottom. When a sector goes out of fashion, it stays out for many years. In the long run, stock index prices fluctuate around the EPS trend line. Buy what other people buy and you will succeed or fail as other people do.
Stock prices fluctuate more than values.
So stock indexes will never produce the best total return performance. When your method becomes popular, switch to an unpopular method. No asset or method is forever. A person can outperform a committee.