Two thoughts-

First, I think "1a" thinking is just poor level 1 thinking. You're putting your opponent on a range, you're just not doing it well.

Two- the pocket Queens on a KT3 board example. I also feel that I play too weak at these spots. I think the reason is reading and rereading all those posts that explain, quite logically, why betting KK on an Axx is a bad idea (you only get better hands [aces] to call, so it would be a losing bet; also not protecting against much). Any advice?