I've been through the same. Kids want to make their own choises when they grow up. When my daughters were young I often gave them some options to choose from. This way they thought they decided things by themselves, but they still did one of our options.
When they get older they can indeed as you say learn the hard way sometimes. Making mistakes is also an important part of growing up.
As long as their choice isn't harmful it's ok.
Correct… we need to protect them from harmful events ! The strategy of multiple choices is interesting mental game ! I liked it heh