[Lestat]

I think much of what you say has merit, but I'm still 3-betting with those hands that figure to have a stealer dominated and in trouble.

While it's true you can represent a wider range of hands, this in my opinion doesn't make up for the loss in pre-flop equity. I'm also assuming a competent player who will know how to both get off his poorer hands, yet will play back and not quietly go away just because he gets check/raised.

There is also the benefit that some stealers don't like being 3-bet and will start playing back and giving extra action with hands that don't warrant excessive action. In other words, they can trap themselves silly with very marginal holdings.

At least for me, I find it easier to play when maintaining the initiative. Don't forget these are I feel have a good chance of being best anyway. So I feel it's a little harder to ouplay me even with position.