The opinion on encouraging dead-beats to come to Alaska by offering the PFD is widely shared. If they took a poll it would show that belief is common, probably even among dead-beats. I don't believe the PFD has done any actual good overall, although in particular cases it is being used wisely.
Anyone who comes to Alaska just for the PF usually leaves a.s.a.p. It takes a heck-of-a lot more to live in Alaska than one measly check. LOL The idea for the PFD wasn't so it would do some "actual good overall", it was just a brilliant idea of Alaskans at the time who knew that the "boom and bust" phase of the pipeline would eventually go away. Maybe I'm hanging with the right crowd, but every single person I know in Alaska uses their PF in a way that benefits Alaskan businesses AND Outside businesses, including the airlines. That money is spent, it goes into the economy. :)
I've used my checks for education or tools. I have a master's degree, I've taken many classes in vocational and technical trades, and I have an Alaska k-8 teaching certificate. It has been a good investment, and I know it has helped the University of Alaska. That's the best use I can think of for the PFD.