A pair is something you have for sure and can build on by getting 2 pair, 3 of a kind, 4 of a kind or fullhouse, AK is a maybe. Yes I can see your thinking tho where if an A or K comes up then there is a better hand than a small pair, but that's an if. Your pair will always beat an A or K high hand if he don't pair up.
With what I see you said above, I'm looking at the whiney guy that wasn't even in the hand with his 99. He should of just shut up and be glad he folded, I think he was just pissed off cause he had a better hand than the other two did and didn't get it, but if he did stay his three 9's would of been beat by your straight anyways. So, why not shut up and be happy he folded, right? :wink: