Good post, thanks. But there are some responses.
I know there's no "always" but Dusty's quote bothered me because it shows a general mindset, a concern on his part, which completely undermines hitting Phillips second.
The broader point is - with two great on base men like Choo and Votto in your lineup, how can you hit a major DP risk betwen them - particularly if from the first day this risk is influencing your strategy?
As for your second point, Chris Heisey is a backup; Joey Votto is a great hitter. In retrospect, I think you have to give Kobe Bryant the ball with time running out in a tie game. All other strategic considerations are secondary.