in the scenario you laid out in your original post you allowed him to catch up and suck out on you by checking the flop and the turn. I understand that you flopped the nuts and would like to get action and what not but checking two streets hoping someone else would bet so you could check raise is not a good idea because you allow opponents to catch up by seeing free cards. Even if this is something that you dont feel right about doing i suggest that you bet the flop and the turn there......now i am not suggesting throwing out a huge bet which would chase your opponents off or whatever but simply checking and giving your opponents free cards and free chances to catch up to you and crack your set is not a good play. Hope that explanation helps.