If he's "straight forward", he's probably only raising hands that have you beat, and possibly AK... I'd call PF and prolly lead out for 30 on the flop, and would shut it down if he called/raised...

I much prefer leading into him. I would even prefer re-re-raising preflop. Both are the cheapest way to find out if he really has you beat.

But they way you played it you have to either check-raise or check-fold the flop. Check-raise is an awfully expensive way to find out, but check-fold feels very weak. I don't like either option much.