On one hand, there will always be idiots and those who will take advantage of them.
On the other hand, I think less people would be susceptible to "alternative" remedies if there was more trust in the medical industry. That trust has been eroded quite a bit over the years.
I've been sick 14 years and I have a strong bias against doctors and the medical industry as a whole I didn't have before. Luckily I know enough to know of I don't take my meds my spine will deteriorate. Unfortunately you're correct that there's lots of folks who will buy into this dangerous crap.