sad627, you said it!
I agree with your thoughts and have adjusted who I pitch (1,2,3) based upon the team we are facing, whether or not a "pitcher" needs to be challenged to nudge her work ethic or abilities, and the importance of the next game. Playing time is always a factor as well. Control, control, control.... then speed has always been where we've had lots of success, regardless of speed. Lots of talented teams have a very hard time with the slower speeds in my experience. Probably because as coaches we push them in the cages with higher speeds.