You don't mention when you'd fold, which is the key. If the guy has an ace he's not going to let you check down for cheap, so your way involves at the very least calling one bet before you fold. Why not be the one who makes the bet, then you both retain fold equity and you can choose how much to invest?

I am totally not claiming my instinct is right here, but my immediate and strong reaction is to bet the flop. Feel free to explain why this is *always* -EV cos I can't quite grasp that.