A friend just told me that he flopped middle pair in early position and trew out a "Feeler Bet" to see where he was at.

I told him he was in 2nd or 3rd place AND with less chips.

Am I missing something? Over time this is going to cost my friend dearly IMO. Middle pair? I'm ready to dump it or see a free card, not invest.

I got to thinking, when IS a feeler bet a good idea? If I flop top pair and there were three hearts on on the board and none in my hand, do I put a feeler bet out to detect someone on a flush draw? If I want to get rid of drawing hands, I'm not placing a A feeler bet. A drawing hand is still going to call. I'm protecting my hand here or giving it up. A feeler bet seems to me like putting a house fire out with gas. It doesn't really help and probably makes things much worse.

I think a feeler bet sends information to your opponents too. I'm thinking bet out or check and learn, but a feeler bet?