Rand's "moral defense of freedom" is her greatest message. Understanding that freedom is a moral "end" unto itself, not just a means to have a rich country, is what separates true freedom-minded individuals from "socialists of all parties" (to quote Hayek).
In other words, I don't give a whit how freedom looks when it's all done, that some are rich and some are poor, some are fit and some are fit, some are happy and some are sad. To take away freedom in the name of justice or (worst of all) "to keep us safe" is the worst possible outcome.
I am sorry to say this but "Atlas Shrugged" is one of the worst books of all time. It's a great message and an unforgettable story, but the ten page orations and speeches and Dagney Taggart's romances (how many guys does she do the wild thang with in that book? Four? Five?) make it one of the most ponderous and heavy-handed books I have ever read. My only feeling after finishing was one of relief.