I prefer cash games to tournaments. It sounds like you were rambling toward a solid strategy. As in all poker strategy- "it depends."

The following assumes a cash game, NL.

As a general rule, I will go all in pre-flop only on AA or KK. The only exception is when you have a good read on your opponent and they are clearly a maniac. In that case, I would maybe go all in w/ 88 and up but only if he puts you all in.

In cash games you really, really, really, want to avoid coin flips that are unavoidable in late stages of tournaments. In cash games you just raise 3-4xs BB to thin the field and hope your big hand holds up. Also, sometimes limp w/ big hand from early and middle position for a trap (only if you are at a tight table and only 3-4 people usually see flop which is not generally applicable to Party).

Post-flop the only time you are all in is if you hit your set AND there is a straight or flush draw because you need to take it down right there. OR You hit your straight AND there is a flush draw on the board. Otherwise, slow play it.