How did he not choose CI? You yourself point out that he did have options, he didn't have to choose to fight. Isn't there a saying about bad generals, and not knowing the right time to fight? I just don't see how any of McChrsytals actions were involuntary. He had a bad situations to deal with, yes, but I have yet to see any evidence to suggest he wasn't fully free in how he responded. Obama went to him for advice on how to win the war, and McChyrstal gave him a CI plan...
But yes, the sooner we pull out, the better.