Stars 10re/ Push to isolate button + dead money

You're right, at this stage the "tournament life" plays a role - by that I assume you mean shallow stacks and a chance to make real money. That's exactly why you smooth call the big pair and pray you get the big blind to play along. You're unlikely to get another chance to get this much of an advantage for this many chips again. The only "insurance" you get from a smooth call w/ the intent to fold to a push is a guaranteed meager payday ;-(