should taking of first base when hit by pitch be optional?

Only if there is a limit to the number of times a pitcher can hit the batter. Otherwise, "purpose pitches" will increase dramatically. And with your idea, a batter could get hit four times until he has to take 1st base....including Pujols.

That's an interesting idea. Say a team is down 3 or 4 runs with the bases loaded and someone like Pujols is up. Would you rather him take first base and only get a run knowing you'll still be losing by a few, or would you rather have him stay at the plate and try and find a gap to bring home a few runners? Interesting!

no, then pitchers can throw at hitter with no negative outcome. all batters want to take their base anyways, it is a free base, it is just about as good as hitting a single. batters want to get hit sometimes to get on base to help the team. little league is different, some kids don't know about winning yet and what it takes to win so they would rather stay up at bat even if they got hit. hope this helps.

Nobody is going to get hit really hard by a ball and then not take first base.

Taking a base should not be optional because you should take a base when ever you can to help someone get home or got to second or third. also if they did not then a pitcher would hit people more offend.

The runner has a right to the path when the fielder is not in the path. However, the runner must simply run in the path. If he does something while in the path that, in the umpire’s judgment, was intent to hinder or interfere with the fielder, he may be called out even while in the path or after having avoided the fielder.

If you get hit by pitch, then tell me if you would be willing to stay at the plate for another few pitches?

No. There are no do-overs. Not even when hit by the ball.

Baserunners are never bad for the offense, so I can't imagine even Barry Bonds refusing to take his base when he got plunked.

No, it's like saying, "Hey man, I'm just gonna decline this single and give you an extra opportunity to strike me out."