>> the solution to AI's PR problem is to cure cancer

I think its much simpler than that. Anything actually useful for people would be a good solution.

Obviously image gen and code gen is not the case, as though it does increase productivity, it doesn't make anyone's life actually better. If it led to 4 day work week - sure. Otherwise it could easily be net negative.

If something is being used, it's by definition useful, and AI is used a lot.