Quote Originally Posted by Anosmic
I'm just not convinced that calling a sizeable raise can be justified with these hands.
If you're in doubt, then don't do it. That's the guideline I use for myself lol :P

A typical scenario is you get two cards to your straight or flush. If someone's got a good pocket pair or even just two overcards they can bet the flop strongly and you won't have the odds to chase the flush.
Then you're out. But what I see often at 10NL and 20NL is weak betting because they think "I have a winner here, and if I bet too much then everyone will fold". Another scenario is again that many people call. Opp bets 1/2 pot. You call, you paid 1/3. If another guy calls too, you paid 1/4. Two guys call besides you, you pay 1/5. This is already getting pretty close to the 1/6 chance you have to see your draw hit on the turn.

If the pot is unraised and there's five or six players seeing the flop and you have a draw then even a pot-sized bet can get the other callers you need to give you the odds. But with a bigger pot there's a strong chance that you'll have to call that bet alone.
If it's a frequent occurrence that the 4-5 people call raises and then everyone folds at the flop.. yeah then best to stay out with a suiter.