Paul, I believe U R right on!  The MARK has to be by choice! The mentally challenged, the innocent little babes and children who are given the mark by adults -- they do NOT choose it. The MARK has to be by choice, not by force, just as we must CHOOSE to accept or reject Jesus. Same thing. God does NOT force us to take his beloved Son and those who are forced to take the MARK are not held responsible as it was not their choice.
 
Rene