This 8.5% calculated inflation rate is a temporary anomaly and the author expects it to drop significantly, so if you purchase after May you might get significantly lower interest on the bond.
8.5% rate is based on locking in 7.12% for first six months (Nov 2021 - Apr 2022 rate) and 9.62% for second six months (May - Nov 2022 rate). You only "get screwed" depending upon how much the rate drops in future adjustments.
I personally think this is an overblown concern given the absolute dollar amount is so tiny. We're talking about interest on $10K. It's just not that much, a few hundred dollars.
