You are probably right, but I am still optimistic. We have ample evidence that it is much easier to mis-use statistical software (medical research and sociology, I'm looking at you) than it is to do careful science. The same can be said for any powerful tool.
The personal computer was invented mostly because there was a small group of enthusiasts who wanted their own computer, rather than having to jump through hoops to sue some company's or college's iron. I know, I was one of them, although I was an early adopter of the technology, rather than an inventor. As a percentage, there were not that many of us, but without this seed, there would not have been the personal computer as we know it. It took a 'killer app' (visicalc) for business to take notice and then computers became more mainstream.
I think that Mathematica could be the "killer app" of the twenty-first century. The percentage of people using it is very small at the moment, but if we get the breaks, the ideas generated by Mathematica users could have a profound effect on society in general.
There are some minor tweaks to the program that would facilitate things. Wolfram|Alpha is close to the interface needed for people without technical knowledge. I think that there is the beginning of the transition from W|A to Wolfram Language already in place.
Mathematical expertise is needed at several levels. However, as I learned by experience, the most difficult step for non-techies it to realize that a problem, properly understood, can be modeled with mathematics.
Despite recent evidence, I still have faith....
