Java 7 - LinkOption - why is NOFOLLOW_LINKS the only available option?

Following links is the default behavior. I.e., if you don't specify NOFOLLOW_LINKS, then links are followed.

From the documentation of the Files.getLastModifiedTime() method (emphasis mine):

The options array may be used to indicate how symbolic links are handled for the case that the file is a symbolic link. By default, symbolic links are followed and the file attribute of the final target of the link is read. If the option NOFOLLOW_LINKS is present then symbolic links are not followed.