For the sake of the argument though, just because a game promises freedom of choice doesn't mean that every choice must be good or as equally rewarding as the other possible choices. It kind of defeats the whole purpose of having to choose. That is something that the game should make you consider when you decide to steal or not, just as much as when you spend points on Intelligence rather than Constitution.
However, the fact of the matter is that the concept of "risk versus reward" needs to be observed, and the truth is stealing offers far too much reward for almost no risk.
The game warns you if you're caught, at which point you may simply reload and try again. You can rob a town blind and never suffer a dent to your reputation or tarnish the attitude of the townfolk towards you. And that is a simple task to accomplish when it comes down to it.
I would argue that choice doesn't really exist currently, as your current options (particularly with the first few levels) is to either steal to earn money or to do neither. What kind of choice is that really, particularly when the first few levels are surprisingly short on combat opportunities (especially for someone trying to take a more lawful/good path)? Quests offer no gold as rewards, and there are only a few non-theft containers in the town which may or may not offer anything useful due to the random nature of loot.
