Should you hit the return of serve to the stronger player to make them hit the third shot and keep them farther back?

Totally depends on the strengths of both players. How good is the non-hitting partners movement to the net. Who has the better drop? The real question is what target will minimize the most risk. Unless someone just can’t hit a drop well, I would mix up my targets as good players will get in a rhythm and find a solution to whatever play you consistently try.