[MrWookie47]

With 9 + 3 = 12 outs (don't double count), hero has about 24% equity in the pot. That's not quite enough if everyone calls, and he's likely to make some people fold. He's not folding everyone, however, so he has little bluff equity. I like checking.

Edit: If he's got a read that a lot of people can cold call behind him, I still like the raise on the flop for value. At most tables, you won't usually have this happen, so calling is better.