hadn't really played a hand in 2 or so orbits since joining.

Ultimate Bet No-Limit Hold'em, $.50 BB (10 handed)

BB ($27.65) -> typical/fishy
Hero ($49.95)
MP3 ($6.50) -> idiot, overplaying a lot

Preflop: Hero is UTG+2 with , .
1 fold, Hero raises to $2.25, 2 folds, MP3 raises to $4, 3 folds, BB calls $3.50, Hero calls $1.75.

Flop: ($12.25) , , (4 players)
BB bets $1.5, Hero is pretty solid and really didn't know what to do here b/w calling and all-in.

I opt for a call.
If you move in your fold equity is kinda pointless because MP3 is not going away

That being said I don't think pushing hard is a mistake....but might not be the optium move.

Do you think a smaller raise than all-in is a good idea here? Maybe a raise to something like $7 to see if you can get an extra card if the turn doesn't hit the flush. You'll have position on the BB the rest of the hand, you might gain some info from the BB, and you might not have to put any more in if you don't make your hand. Plus, it might actually scare the BB out which might be beneficial here. On the other hand, MP might have a really big hand, seeing the min-raised preflop(seems like a common play by bad people w/ really high cards), and you might not be ahead of anyone right now...but the BB bet and seems to want to take control of this hand, so I think you should make him play for his stack too...raising him seems good to me - I'm just not sure about pushing it all.

How do you feel about gambling against half stacks?

If it is a sure I'm comfortable gambling it up I push, if I'm not feeling like gambling I call.

I like gambling when there's a chance I can win the money in the pot wihtout seeing the next card. In this case, you can't because MP doesn't go away.

I like Danhdan's idea of a small raise.