I agree with everything you said Derf. My read was that villain to my left would def fold regardles, but 2nd villain (not looking at HH right now) would lead out if I checked. Everytime he had any hand he would bet it regardless of what was happening. I figured I get two bets instead of one. I put him on the strt all along and felt I could get 2 more out of him. He def would not raise me if I lead out. If villain to left comes along more power to me.
I agree that normally this is not a great play. I probably check raise less than anyone I know....mostly because its not worth getting fancy with the avg donk out there. Playing it straight is usually safest.