I went back and reviewed this shot now that the link was provided. 10/10 pro players shoot here. It is totally standard. Yes, it is awkward and difficult. That is why we don't play for a living and they do.
Island, I swear I'm not spoiling for a fight. You are a man speaking my own heart. Most of my life I've never shot a bank and always played a good safety. Clipping the 3 to the end rail and running the cue ball up table is exactly the kind of thing I would want to do, particularly on a tough table or if I felt wobbly at the time.
I'm a very good game manager, but I've taken it as far as I can take it. That works against amateurs but once you start playing top players it breaks down. These guys simply move too good. I'm not saying Mike would jump in the 3 ball, but he's very unlikely to give up ball in hand. Maybe he makes it. Maybe he hooks you back. And even if he leaves a shot, often they will create problems that make you wish you'd shot when you had the chance.
Here's where I will agree with you. If an amateur is playing an amateur and they have this shot, it might be best to play your safety. It would be stupid for them to go for something that is very low percentage and say "I'm trying to play like the pros play". My opinion is that you are supposed to play your game, manage your percentages, and do what gives you the best chance of winning. When you watch the pros you do it so you know which skills you need to continue to develop, not to try to play that way today at the pool hall. If this was your main point and this situation was used as an example of a time you might consider ducking then I'd be totally, totally, totally in agreement. Win the money baby!
When you've got one of the greatest 9 ball players of all time facing a straight shot from out in space on slidey new cloth that draws super easy I think the man is supposed to go here.