I have been showing some of my photography to friends and collegues and have even made my first sale to provide the artwork for a small office. Even as they are generally complementing me on the photos they all ask "What camera are you using?". The implication is that the equipment must be responsible for these fine photos. I don't know about you but I find the question somewhat annoying since the contribution of the photographer seems less important.This is similar to the "pro factor" discussion where the equipment seems more important than the final artwork.
I don't consider myself a pro in any manner(tho I am excited about my first sale) but unfortunately to the artistic impaired(who by the way are buying this stuff) equipment is seen as what separates P&S family shots from what you guys do.
Sad but true IMHO.