That method is ok for small projects, slow for complex objects with high poly count but is a solution...you could go for Pro version witch adds Export for DXF, DWG, 3DS, OBJ, PDF, EPS + LayOut 2. But for $500 you better of with Shark LT.(IMO) they say that is Based on Dassault’s ACIS™ modeling kernel (cool) that could give good compatibility with apps like (Autocad Revit etc. which are based on the same Kernel)... http://www.punchcad.com/products/shark_lt.htm

This is beginning to sound expensive...where I live $500 really means $1000!!

But I agree those Viacad products look good. But when you have MoI...

It could be done in SketchUp, but I have become used to a program that automatically generates the 2d views I want, at the right scale, all set up nicely on the page, with easy dimensioning and annotation. I guess it's like Michael says...most of those are part of a bigger suite.