[The Goober]

Tough spot. In the heat of the moment I'd probably just bet out the flop, but I like your line better. It's worth risking it getting checked through (or an EP bet) because CRing here is so attractive. I agree that just calling the flop bet is betting than CRing the whole field.

On the turn, I think I like donk/fold, although check/fold is a close second. I guess it comes down to how likely the other players are to just call the flop with top pair (as a lot of passive players would do with a weak pair). The problem is, what if it gets checked to a LP player who now bets? If you CR, you could end up isolating yourself against a 6 or a flush draw with two overcards. On one hand you are drawing very thin, and on the other your equity still isn't great.

Ideally, I'd donk the turn and only get a caller or two, then I'd check the river and get a free showdown. Sounds silly, but really passive players are great for crap like this.

Given your line, I like your fold.