[Fantam]

I think that leading the flop would have been ok.

However, I agree with you that I would have preferred to perhaps do something else.

Why not raise when the player in late position bet the flop. He may only have been betting because everyone checked to him.

You could also argue the same on the turn. Why not check/raise there ?

If you check call, you are inviting other players to bet to try to take down the pot.

By taking the initiative in the hand, you are also more likely to find out earlier if you are behind. If you encounter strong betting you can fold, but otherwise you can continue to bet your hand.