I think there might be different ideas about what CAD is and how Layout may or may not be CAD software.
In just doing a definition search of CAD, one can get:
"Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer programs to create, modify, and analyze 2D or 3D drawings of physical objects. CAD is used in many fields, including product and industrial design, computer animation, and media special effects.
CAD drawings are technical illustrations that represent an idea or concept. They can be used to design a variety of things, from buildings to electrical and plumbing installations. CAD drawings are used throughout the design process, from the initial concept to the construction or assembly stages.
CAD has replaced manual design and drafting processes. It allows designers and engineers to create more detailed, accurate, and efficient representations of products. This has led to improved quality in manufactured goods and more streamlined planning."
In my mind, any software on a computer that helps me create in 2D and/or 3D and helps me communicate my design any of the following outputs including 2D PDF/Paper outputs, renderings, videos, and 3D VR models qualifies as CAD. That software may range from simple digital line drawings to 3D BIM, to FEA engineering.
In broad terms, if a computer aided me in designing my project, i think it qualifies as a form of CAD. In my specific case, where I like to create 2D details in LO, fully annotate my 3D SU projects and even use LO on it’s own for laser engraving projects, it is definitely a form of CAD.
I understand there are people that may never use it like that, and for their situation, may not consider it as CAD, and that’s OK. I always advocate to let everyone design and create how they like, and having more features and options on how you use a tool I think is great.
I like it when there are many possibilities on how to achieve an end result. As much as I love The Mandalorian series, I do not subscribe to “this is the way” mentality when it comes to designing, creating and drawing, As someone who has taught 3D modeling, rendering and animation, I realize that everyone has a different background and sees the world differently and will ultimately have their own way of executing projects.
With that said, I’d like to see LO improve it’s generic user 2D drafting tools and annotations techniques as well as speed up its processing and output capabilities. I personally don’t need much else from LO, but in the spirit of the above, welcome features that benefit other use cases beyond my own.