[microbet]

Bhokie,

There are just different ways to play the hand imho.

The dry flop with an Ace is a good flop to cbet, but against 2 loose players you certainly aren't required to. If you don't bet the flop and it checks to you on the turn it will be a very easy bet and a very likely take down.

Turn is a very good card to bet. After they call the flop you are hoping they have Aces and you hit the river with either of you pretty well hidden draws. Also, your hand is strong enough and these passive players are generally check-raising too small, so you'll be able to call most check-raises and be pretty confident stacks will go in if you hit.

SB's river bet is most likely a block. Does this mean he has a 9 or a weak Ace and can he fold either one? If you bet pot he has to fold 1/2 the time (pretty unlikely you have the best hand). Given your description of the table and players I think this is pretty close. There's a decent chance he folds a 9 on the turn and a decent chance he calls river with any Ace. He could also have a big hand, like 78 and just not known what to do on the river.

In this case I think your image might make the difference.

The thing about these spots where it's hard to decide what to do is that they are close - meaning close to neutral EV - so it's not that big a deal.