All of my render work is post processed,it helps particularly when a client wants to change things,even if the model/building needs to be revised.Post means that you can not only change the environment,but because sketchup is so easy to use,the turn around is much faster than programs i previously used.
Ive just recently seen that Trimble is taking over sketchup.My viewpoint is that with the plugins and rubys available to me at the moment,it dosent make a difference to what happens to sketchup as it stands.I have worked with sketchup4,5,6(skipped 7)and now 8.Right now I can build models with sketchup and have a final product I can be proud of - I dont need a new version.
I guess we will have to wait and see what exactly happens with sketchup but its not like they can delete the program from our hardrives...(or can they...)
(The paragraphs above are available in dusk,sunset,storm and summers-day)