I am sorry that you see this as too big a step for the price of a valuable piece of software. Give what you are saying SketchUp does for you, it seems like it is still worth the cost.
I know, I know… I work for Trimble so I am biased. I honestly hope that, given my track record of supporting this community, you may be able to hear me out. The last time SketchUp had a price increase was over four years ago. Given that this is less than a 15% increase when inflation just for 2022 was 8%, it seems like that is a fair price increase.
The simple fact is that everything gets more expensive over time. I know… it sucks… but a 15% price increase over four years is pretty slight compared to some other increases out there. When you consider the average cost of a gallon of gas went from $2.69 in 2019 to $4.06 in 2022 (a 50% increase), less than 15% is really not terrible.
Just something to think about!