[jester710]

First hand, I cap. You're in good shape vs. John, and you're prolly ahead against the other guy if he's loosy goosy. You might even force him out if he has to call 2 cold. Only real downside I see to this play is if goosey calls and you brick, leaving you stuck in the middle on 6th. If that happens, then remember I told you to just call.

Hand 2, you say suits don't matter. Does that mean diamonds are dead? Because on 3rd Bill has either an ace and two babies, a flush draw (likely with babies), or split aces. If the flush draw isn't likely, then he has no reason to bet into Sexton for high unless he caught a third ace somewhere or made a straight. If he made his straight, it's more likely to be to the 7 than a wheel, given that at least two deuces are dead. So, all that said, I'd prolly raise/call 7th.

If Sexton had raised, I would have simply called. If Bill had re-raised Sexton, I'd try to grab his cards and throw them in the muck rather than make that decision.