I agree -- these are situational decisions. The blanket-strategy of "foul/don't foul" or "3 vs. 2 FTs" is too simplistic.
I didn't have a huge problem letting them hold for the last shot in a tie game, but getting beat that way feels more "empty." I also wouldn't have deliberately put them at the line with a quick, fruitless foul.
A coach who believes in forcing the action in that situation has a couple of options.
(1) Make a serious play for a steal; at worst, you foul, they hit both FTs and you're down two with the ball and plenty of time for good shot. At best, you get a clean steal or a held ball; if nothing else, you disrupt the rhythm of the offensive plan (which could cause them to make turn it over on their own).
(2) Apply pressure on the ball and play loose near the basket, and dare them to take a shot they can't pass up with plenty of time left. They could score, of course, but you get final possession; or they screw it up because that wasn't what they expected.
Like any plan, these could backfire and bring second-guessing. It's like a fine line between "losing the game" and "allowing the other team to win."