But of course, this is only a speculation....
Actually, I think the Bible is pretty clear about this. We have free will in that we are free to do/think as we please. This establishes the idea of choice, an idea which is repeatedly upheld as important in the Bible.
It is this very idea of free will which makes unbelievers culpable. And the fact that sinners freely choose to defy their infinitely holy Creator makes them infinitely deserving of punishment.
I understand the doctrine and the righteousness of it. Nevertheless, I pray for mercy for all of us, including those who are deceived.