Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not bad. Triclosan, on the other hand, has been banned, but that won't be found in sanitizer anymore. It's true that it doesn't replace hand washing.
Yes, as long as the hospitals and Dr. offices, etc. etc use hand sanitizer, we will continue to use it also. Sanitizer is 'not' bad, just is no 'substitute'. We 'do' wash our hands, but lots of times it is not convenient.
Also, keep your hands away from your face - that includes rubbing itchy, tired eyes (surprising how often I see people do this, as well as subconsciously touching their faces when talking, etc.). I keep a kleenex handy to wipe itchy eyes.
We always use hand sanitizer after looking at restaurant menus (one of the germiest things out there!!) don't touch railings, interactive walls, etc.
Yes, especially until you have it ingrained into your daily life it might be hard to remember, but we keep our hands to ourselves 'literally' mostly without thought now.
The last time any one of us got sick at Disney was about 20 years ago. We had to go to emergency room for severe sore throats, fever, the first night, so had to have picked up germs before going. (was also 'before' using sanitizer). We very seldom are sick now, especially respiratory.
I also avail myself of the sanitizing wipes at grocery stores for the cart handles.