Don't expect anyone to agree, but...
Can't tell you how many times I've told hitters "great job" after striking out. Especially when our lead off hitter took strike three on a full count.
The lead off hitter who is willing to take the "iffy" strike three with a full count is playing the game to win.
It's simple... any pitch that is a 50-50 (ball or strike) on a lead off hitter whose job is to get on base should not be a strike three swinging or a weak pop up or ground ball. the hitter will be on base 50% of the time if he doesn't swing at that pitch. It takes a special player to do that, but it is putting the team first. No one will ever reach base 50% of the time swinging at 50-50 pitches.
It also takes talent to recognize the 50-50 pitch. Yes, sometimes the umpire will ring you up on that pitch. Some might call it a Cardinal sin to take strike three. However, this is one situation (leading off/full count) when the percentages make it a winning option. Swinging at border line pitches is doing the opponents a favor.
Some might say hitters need to stay aggressive and that is true. Chasing pitches is being over aggressive, especially in certain situations.
Just putting the ball in play might work at times, but that is not good enough.