Plan design - allowing a changing to a distribution option by a beneficiary

[Guest who me?]

Question: With regard to plan design, is there any reason the plan should not permit a beneficiary to a 401(k) plan to change a distribution option from installments to lump sum, or vice versa?

[Belgarath]

De gustibus, you know, but if I were an employer, I'd never allow anything other than a lump sum option for any and all payouts. Subject, of course, to any mandatory QJSA requirement. Any participant or beneficiary who wants an installment payment can go out and buy it themselves, and the plan sponsor is spared the hassle of getting quotes, information, etc...