Damn, just typed out a long response but accidentally deleted it
You shouldn't play at a site that forces you to take insurance when you have a BJ! Are you sure they are not just offering you even money? I've just never heard of a forced insurance play....that's worse than a 6:5 pay-out on blackjack.
Re: 2s. I think if you look at the BS numerical chart, of all the "break" cards, 2 has the highest percentage of not breaking. Anecdotally speaking, I don't see the dealer breaking on 2s much at the casino. When I split 2s, I usually end up with at least one double down opportunity (all you need is a 7, 8 or 9 on one of the hands). I would actually rather see a dealer have a 7 than a 2.
One other hand that I split, if I'm up on the day, is a pair of 9s against a 4-6. Again though, I really only like doing that if I'm up on the day and feeling a little greedy.
I'm going to the casino tomorrow night. I will give you a report when I get back
