| I also run similar games and have had the occasional occurance that you speak of, however, my experiences have probably not been to the same extreme as you seem to describe (it only happens once in a while; or the players are so overwhelmed with possiblities that they flounder around indecisively until I toss in something focused to follow).
What you may want to consider if embelishing the mundaneness of sitting around to decide. By that I mean ... PCs come to a fork in the road: left or right?
The characters and/or players have their discussions for a minte or two to decide. After that minute, as a DM, just toss out the question "so which way" -- if they're still trying to decide, then embelish the idea that "you hang around on the side of the road, talking amongst yourselves..." after a bit longer of still trying to decide "it is getting late and you have to wonder whether or not to make camp, and you do see the occasional traveler pass you by but not pay you much attention." that sort of thing -- give them the chance to come to a quick decision but then, if they continue, just remind them of the mundane aspect of standing around talking. it's not a penalty or deadline, but just a subtle reminder that you're basicaly just waiting and waiting ... | 
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