I had this situation many, many times during training (solos) and after, and have seen/heard many others.
There is an answer (d) that is used out there, which is to transmit over other traffic a request for landing clearance. Being closer to the tower than others (normally) the transmission can be recieved by ATC who then respond.
I don't condone and didn't resort to this, normally choosing the extended flare option, but understood the frustration in others.