Agreed. I think it all comes down to Ted Williams' philosophy of "get a pitch you can hit". If it's the first pitch (and in so many case, the first pitch is that pitch), then go with it. We see it so many times where the broadcaster will say "(insert pitcher name) was ambushed on that pitch". It means, he threw the best pitch he's gonna see, ie. pitch #1. Taking strike one with someone who is not known for hitting his target basically reduces the equation to "two strikes vs. 4 balls". Doing the same with an ace will be even more disadvantageous. Getting oneself into a hole puts the pitcher at that distinct advantage and the batter then finds himself swinging or flailing at pitches that are close, rather than one he can barrel up on.