I thought I'd pipe up cos I noticed this thread and it's interesting reading. Sorry to mess up your flow Rezz.
I don't know if this helps or no but I believe when people come to a crossroad their environment and situation is secondary to the fact they are at a crossroad. So.. infact in my way of thinking, you'd be making decisions based on your environment/situation no matter where you were at this time.
In keeping with that, it's not so much the environment/situation (which consists of factors that will influence your decision) that is the catalyst... but rather it's just the tangible factor.
Which essentially means (in my theory anyways), whatever you do - remember the point of the decision (holistic/overall) and not the environment/situation (tangibles, ie the things in front of you that support your decision).
I hope that makes sense... either way good luck