Jeffrey, is $5 the normal raise in these games?

I find that I like to raise more from the blinds for 3 reasons:

1. I want to limit the number of limpers who call my raise. Some people are under the impression that if they put in $1, they should also put in $5.

2. I want to charge other hands for being in better position than me for all future betting rounds.

3. To some players, this will look more like a steal if you raise a larger amount. These players are more likely to try to steal the pot on the flop, giving you more money when you have/make a very good hand.
I think in this case, I would probably want to raise to $7 or $8. I'm not sure if this follows any normal NxBB sense ... but that's what I would do.

Every once in a while, this backfires and you get no callers when you would have gotten 1 or 2. Oh, well - at least you get the limper money.

I also would bet more at this flop. The pot is big enough for me that I want to take it down right now or find out if I am beaten. $15 seems borderline weak here, like maybe you missed your hand and are just trying to take the pot. I would always bet at least $20 and maybe $25.

Given that, I'm still fearful of the ass who called with J8s, 86s, 10-9s, or 97s. Sometimes that ass is me.