Fair enough, but let's face it, the reasons the right considers him a great economist have little to do with his serious economic research, and everything to do with his hackish rants against the inherent evil of redistribution.
Few famous economists are known for their "serious research." Most (including Marx and Keynes) are known for their ideas and theories.
Also, it's odd that you bring up redistribution since he supported a limited welfare state. His "rants" (which I'm skeptical that you've actually read) targeted the idea of central planning, not redistribution. I feel like you're confusing him with Mises.
