Small PP - every step of the way.... what is the ABC?

[kurto]

Here's A hand I had. Just curious what the textbook play would be (if there is such a thing). (I listed results... but I think they have no bearing on how to play these)

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (9 handed)

BB <font color="purple">(Villain)</font> ($15.85)
UTG ($7.75)
UTG+1 ($18.60)
MP1 ($24.40)
Hero ($14.05)
MP3 ($25)
CO ($16.20)
Button ($12.45)
SB ($17.70)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with 5[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], 5[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img].
<font color="666666">3 folds</font>, Hero calls $0.25, <font color="666666">4 folds</font>, BB <font color="purple">(Villain)</font> checks.

I've seen some make a lot of money raising with a small pocket pairs. I don't know if such a low PP is worth putting too much money on (outside of certain tourny situations). I usually play them hoping to flop a set or I'm out (at least with multiple callers). What's the line on raising? Especially with only 4 players remaining? (Note: I was in MP2 - 4 left to act which includes the blind) Do most think a raise is necessary? Or just fold these lil' guys?

Flop: ($0.60) T[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], 6[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img], A[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] <font color="blue">(2 players)</font>
Villain checks, Hero checks.

Here's what I often think. If he had an ace, he'd bet it. Probably the same with a 10. His check doesn't mean necessarily mean no board pair or no pocket pair, though head's up, its likely he'd have bet with anything, no? Should I have bet right out?

Turn: ($0.60) T[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] <font color="blue">(2 players)</font>
Villain checks, <font color="CC3333">Hero bets $0.5</font>, Villain calls $0.50.

He still doesn't bet. No new card that he could have paired. I make a tiny .50 stab at it. (probably too small, but heads up, with minimal pot, its often enough.) Too small? He calls... which doesn't tell me anything either way?

River: ($1.60) 7[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] <font color="blue">(2 players)</font>
Villain checks, Hero checks.

Bet again? Or is this a case where he'll only call if he has me beat? I mean... I only have a pair of 5s.

Final Pot: $1.60
<font color="green">Main Pot: $1.60, between Villain and Hero.</font> &gt; <font color="white">Pot won by Hero ($1.60).</font>

Results in white below:
Villain has Qs Kc (one pair, tens).
Hero has 5h 5d (two pair, tens and fives).
Outcome: Hero wins $1.60.

Just curious how others play these hands to get the most of them. Fold em? Raise em? Cheap flop? Especially if you're the first to bet in middle position.