When I took the MSF course several years ago... they did teach evasive maneuvers, emergency stops, and good practices to help stay out of or minimize threatening situations. Yes, you can get your license in a short amount of time, but the things you learn there are only meant to be starting points. The rider's responsibility is to practice what they've learned there. Learning and practicing never ends.

The figure 8 is not done for the sake of doing a figure 8, I think it is done for the sake of becoming comfortable with being able to control a motorcycle. Granted, it's a light 250, but it gives the rider a feel for what they should be able to do on a bike to know they can handle it properly at slow speeds.

It is much better to have this course than to not, and go out there and be a much higher danger to themselves and to others.

Without a doubt, I think it is the best and most important $ anyone can spend on their total riding experience.