I think not 4-betting because "4b/folding AK sucks" is a bad reason not to 4b. It's either higherEV to 4b/fold or to flat call pre (or 4b/c but I don't think that will be highestEV).
Taking lines because it's harder to do something or uncomfortable doesn't mean you should avoid them. We want to take the maxEV line. I personally think that will be 4b/folding here. I think they'll be incredibly honest vs your 4bet and cold calling and going 3-ways OOP with AKo is not going to show a ton of profit at all. My guess is it's less than 4b/folding.