raising

Just curious as to what your thoughts are on the optimal raise size. Obviously this is regarding online play, as live is completely different. I've played both as a regular 3x raise+1 per limper as well as 4+1. So I figure:

3x:
- More profitable to steal
- Less successful stealing (?)
- Smaller average pot (perhaps more profitable for small pairs and SC?)

4x:
- More successful stealing (less likely to get called w/ a bigger raise), however you also need to be successful ~73% of the time as opposed to 67% of the time, if that's significant
- Bigger average pot

I currently raise 3+1, however I think perhaps I'm leaving money on the table. When I raise 4+1 and then take the pot with a c-bet, each one is slightly larger than if I raised 3+1, slightly more profitable, and of course that adds up.

Also, with a larger pot on the flop, then bets would get progressively larger on Flop/Turn/River. If I feel I'm a good player, then I would be more likely to have the best of it, and therefore I would want more money in the pot... wouldn't I?

What do you think?

theres no set strategy.. you have to really know the opponent and there tendencies ... you raise different amounts playing different types of players

My raising strategy generally consist of the following weighted analysis
1. have my raises been folded to by this group of players
2. is my image established as a solid player right now
3. do I have near the most chips at the table
4. am I staying away from other chip leaders
5. have i identified the players that religiously protect their blinds
6. Is it a premium time to raise(ie. like near a cutoff point or bubble time)