Thanks loads for the replies fellas. I am still torn over hand 1 because, based on my experience and instinct at $50NL, this raise shows real strength. Or does it? If he has a set or a straight, shouldn't he be giving me worse odds to chase if *I* have a straight draw or flush draw?

The other two hands: The AA hand lost against Q2s; and the A6s hand won vs T8 making two pair on the river - thankfully he just called my river value bet. In a way this hand played itself as I certainly wasn't investing any more money if I didn't hit, but I had fulfilled my obligation to try and beat off the lagg on the turn. Perhaps I should have chosen a better spot.