Billy, on your other option, how would that get RM out of the trap? The opponent is just going to bat the 3 ball away, and leave you right back behind the 5 or 14. Then RM would be in worse shape than he is now.
Doc
When I say you're out of the trap I actually mean that it's a much easier situation to negotiate from. The position he's in now is as bad as it could possibly be, almost. From the ending position with my second option you can always take an intentional and possibly drop under the 7 ball, the ball near the bottom cushion. There's also the possibility of positioning the 3 ball further up the rail off of my option and floating onto the 5 and 14 balls. But the position he's in now is really a difficult position to deal from, which is evidenced by his options.
Jimmy B's option of caroming off the 6 ball and then dropping under the 7 ball is a very difficult shot because of the angle going into the 6 ball. Looks like he'll have to draw the cue ball off the 6 ball to get back, extremely difficult shot that requires a perfect touch. I'd rather shoot off the 6 ball and draw into the 1 ball and take my chances with that shot, as opposed to playing it the other way.
I like Rod's shot for the reasons I mentioned, and if my second option was laying right I would also consider that one.
Another option I would consider is pocketing the 2 ball in his pocket and drop under the 7 ball, if I felt I could do that it definitely would be a consideration.
Dr. Bill