15/30 TT against a TAG

[ResidentParanoid]

I get your point. Variation that doesn't maximize the EV in the current situation lowers your overall EV. I meant you don't usually make a strongly *net negative* EV move for variation. I think we're on the same page.

To take it to the extreme, you wouldn't limp/raise with 23o UTG as a "variation" move. Maybe with 89s, if you're not giving up too much and it may have some image implications in the long run.