In one embodiment, a value for a option for a particular policy of a plurality of policies that are ranked in a priority order is ascertained. A variance to the value associated with the option for the particular policy is applied to define a range of acceptable values for the particular policy. A determination is made whether one or more other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy. If no other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy, the option is selected If other options exist that have values within the range of acceptable values for the particular policy, the ascertaining, applying and determining is repeated for a next lower priority policy of the plurality of policies to consider the other options, the repeating to occur successively until an option is selected.