AK is a strong hand but it's just a draw still. It worths a reasonable raise pre-flop (most of the times). If the flop does not mach, watch out.I don't feel very confident about getting 60bb at the start of a tournament with AK off, but I realize that depending on the model, it becomes vital.
what do you think?
I don't vary my decisions based upon the stage that the tournament is in. If it is the correct play then I do it on the first hand, the last hand before the bubble, or the final hand when head to head.