update and expose default options util

[pedrouid]

The Problem

The Solution

Checklist:

• [ ] I am making this PR against staging, not master
• [ ] My code follows the code style of this project.
• [ ] I have described any backwards-incompatibility implications above.
• [ ] I have highlighted which parts of the code should be reviewed most carefully.
• [ ] If my change requires a change to the documentation, I have updated it accordingly.