The mediator's style and approach to practice sets the tone for how little or how much the mediator is actively involved in the generation of options. In giving no options there is the risk that the parties may be left to wallow in confusion and become frustrated. The risk of giving options too soon or too freely is that the mediator may become a defacto arbitrator, and an option suggested might offend one or both parties resulting in the mediator's loss of balance.
Options considered in a vacuum or without the whole context have a greater risk of being rejected.
Always begin with the parties by asking for their suggestions. Allow ample time for their consideration. In fact, the mediator might want to take additional time to let the parties consider options if there is a self-awareness of a tendency to be overly focused on outcome. The mediator may also hide his or her own option in this mix of options in order to counteract the potential for mediator bias. That tactic may allow the parties to at least agree on ruling out an option neither wants to consider.