Is Rendering overpowering the Design?

When it comes to the rendered views, we all are mesmerized by the realistic rendering software programs.

But behind these renders, do we actually care about the design? I've gone through a few examples where the renders were amazing, but the overall planning was compromised. I agree, that renders complement the design but we should know what is important.

As an Architect, we know the importance of renders and the overall design of the building. But is it really that important to focus on the rendering software, that people tend to lose the essence of the design? I don't want to quote an example for the same as it won't do justice to the one who is good at rendering. I'm not questioning the skills of a designer who has a better understanding of the software.

Everyone has got different skills and none of them is below the other. Even while looking at some portfolios, I came across the same conclusion that students are more focused on the renders and not the design.

As an architecture student or even as a professional architect, one must match up to the priorities of the client, which would surely be the design part, initially and most importantly.