There's a difference between real choices and being given choices that are only actually manipulation. If you're given choices, but all of them are bad given your situation, that doesn't truly count as being given a choice. Same goes for being given choices without being given all of the information. Both of those things are manipulation.

[Take it from someone who has had to make those types of choices his entire life.]

What says the Storyteller isn't? Other than his word? He isn't bound by the same rules we are and has the ability to control at least some of what goes on here. That says you're in charge, at least to a certain extent.