hi guys, im new here. greetings from the Philippines!
i too, have the same problem...many people are underestimating sketchup.
there was an architect once who visited our office and asked me about my fee as a 3d visualizer...i answered and she nodded (positive response)...but when she knew that i am using sketchup, she was like "what?" ..."my assistant uses 3DMAX and charges same as you do...you should charge less..."
i was like "hey, its not the gun you use...its how you shoot your target... and hit"
still i say until now...all the work you do (3dsmax users)....we do in a fraction of the time.
and the results are the same. (well most of the architecture in country consists of basic linear and curved elements, so yeah...sketchup is perfect!)