All this discussion of 2D drafting in Sketchup or in Layout…I’m not sure what to say. Sketchup as I understand it is a 3D modeling software with Layout as its 2D and presentation mode partner. I design large scale custom homes completely with Sketchup and Layout and have for some years now. Layout is quirky and underdeveloped, but, as one of you said above, if you really take the time and patience to learn it, it does more than you probably think. I have gradually learned that the secret—for my own work flow at least—is to always go back to the model itself. Make it more and more detailed and you will discover the benefit when you go to Layout. For example, in the beginning I drafted light fixtures into reflected ceiling plans in Layout (as I had always done in AutoCad) but now I have learned to take the time and install those fixtures directly into my Sketchup model: many benefits all around and worth the time. Where I draw the line, so to speak, is with large scale details. I now draw them as individual 3D models in Sketchup separate from my main model and import them into Layout, often in both a 2D and a Perspective view. I use Layout tables with reasonable success for all of my schedules.
I am an architect who learned first to hand draft, transitioned to AutoCad for many years, and now work only in Sketchup and Layout, except for exporting views into AutoCad for my consultants. I loved hand drafting but grew to despise AutoCad and all 2D drafting, especially once I discovered the pleasure of work ]ing fully in 3D—which is what I had always wanted from the very beginning.
That said, I totally support advances in Layout, It is not good enough. But the goal should remain model based drawings, from start to finish.