This is a question always bothers me. I see a lot of good hitters with high average, good speed & fairly good power batting lead off. But with the 3rd and 4th batter strike out a lot over the season, their travel team didn't do well. It's almost a similar situation as Seattle's Ichiro, this guy average 225 hits over 8 years, but the Mariners getting worse every year. Despite the pitching factor, they could not out score other team either.
So, my question is why don't we put the good hitter (Ichiro-like hitter) bat 3rd or 4th? Any ideas?

In the case of the Mariners, they've got Ichiro there because he hits for average/OBP. His power numbers aren't near as good as Beltre or their LF/DH.
Ichiro also has very good wheels, can steal bases.
Any guy that hits for average/OBP and can run the bases better than the majority of the team is a leadoff hitter.

What is the use of putting them 3rd or 4th if he does not have anyone to hit in? By starting them off, they have a chance to have an additional at bat, he also puts the pitcher in the stretch and he has a chance to steal a base to get into scoring position.