So, it's a criticism of fan power debates, then?
In most stories I've read where his power isn't enough, though, he doesn't just come back stronger. He either uses his head or steels his resolve. I wouldn't call that the same thing.
"Power creep" happen in a lot of things, though, with comics and mobile games being VERY good examples. It's not a Superman thing, it's an overall thing. But it always goes back and forth, in waves or stages. For me, personally,
I like almost whatever power level a story has for him - as long as it's told well, and doesn't seem like it's keeping him at lower levels because the writer can't handle his powers. If that makes any sense.