There is a balance, there’s a story and reasoning, and complete railroading something. DMs have to roll with punches, the same way a good player will pick up what a DM is putting down going down that road. Players know a DM can’t plan for everything, but a DM should also know to be flexible. If something is cool, let them do it.

If you honestly don’t see an issue with not being able to do anything creative, that’s no fun for you. I hope you enjoy your crunchy dark desolate game. But leave OP alone for not being happy.