I would totally mine an alt-coin like F@C (Folding at Home Coin) or S@C (SETI at Home Coin). I see the inherent value in security and "acting like the banking system" but can also see how a currency could benefit us beyond the decentralization.
I read before that none of these would work (folding while also mining). I love the concept though and I have faith that someone, somewhere, can find a way to make it work. If people can send a rocket up to Mars and control the robot while still on earth, I'm sure something like this should be simple.