Maybe I didn't read this thread carefully enough, but I don't understand why there is a presumed problem with following "choose" with a gerund. I don't see a problem with that.
********** NOT A TEACHER **********
Hello, 2006.
(1) It seems that all verb lists indicate that "choose" is followed
only by an infinitive. (At least the lists I found on the Web.)
(2) A very experienced English teacher told me two insightful things:
(a) Sometimes it is fine to use a gerund after "choose" -- especially
if the gerund is more noun-like than verb-like.
(b) When I asked her why there is this "rule," she gave me this very good
explanation:
Since infinitives are usually used after "choose," it is in the nature
of rule-making to make a generalization.
(3) Therefore:
(1) Yes, gerunds can be used after "choose."
(2) Learners often feel more comfortable with strict rules. So maybe
(maybe) it is helpful to have them follow the rule (only infinitives)
until they are able to know the difference between a noun-like gerund
and a verb-like gerund. Personally, I still find it difficult to know the
difference.
***** Thank you *****
