I still have choices (all bad) with the knife to my neck. Charm doesn't just externally force, it effects your very core self (your mind)
Indeed.
So I'm playing a Fey touched Sorcerer. My son's watching me play, and I intentionally have focused this character on the usual enchantment spells. Charms, Holds, Hideous Laughter....
So I'm up against that tier's big bad, he's got high resist and will saves, but I'm laser focused on breaking through those things.
End result: He's helpless on the ground laughing, while getting hacked to pieces.
My son (hes 17, dont worry) "That is absolutely horrific."
Anecdotal, but a Fireball just didnt seem to have the same impact on my son's perception of prior encounters.
