Some of those whom declare that one side or another has a better chance of fighting off the Aldmeri Dominion; are wrong. Whomever the victor of the civil war plays out to be is the most likely to fend off the Thalmor - in short; the strongest side is the side which wins (duh). Some say that the empire is too weak to fight off the dominion - well if they were strong enough to destroy the stormcloaks, then those Ulfric-lovers would stand less of a chance against the Thalmor. Those who say that the Stormcloaks will divide the empire, splintering forces that should remain as a solid whole; as to fend off elven invasion. Yes, they will likely weaken the empire, but the stormcloaks have proven their superiority over the imperial forces - they are then Tamriel's greatest hope at salvation. People whom say that the empire would be stronger with the full support of the Nords? Well, they would be; but they won't achieve that via destroying the stormcloaks, will they? Just because your faction was defeated, it doesn't exactly mean that you'll join your foe...... You have to look at the holds of skyrim, in order to decide what's best for the Nordic people's homeland. - Riften: a city of thieves and corruption. The Stormcloak's Jarl is Laila Law-Giver, whom is a benevolent but largely incompetent leader. The city is mostly run by Maven Black-Briar, whom's influenced the Jarl's court through Anuriel (the Jarl's steward). The Jarl's staff are quite idle - apart from Anuriel, whom's responsible for the complacency of Law-Giver. Laila is too passive and naive to properly rule the Rift. The Imperial alternative is simply handing over the city to Maven Black-Briar - which changes little, as she already ran the city anyway. - Windhelm: the dark elves are sequestered and mistreated, under Ulfric's reign; so it's no surprise that I would advocate for the replacement of the power-hungry tyrant. The Imperial-backed Jarl, Brunwulf Free-Winter, is a much more desired choice; as he spreads prosperity and gradual acceptance of racial diversity. He's also a legion veteran, so he's basically Ulfric 2.0; I would back him if he was at the head of the Stormcloak rebellion (or the 'Freewinter Rebellion'). - Whiterun: one of the most influential cities of Skyrim. I personally like Balgruuf, the Jarl of Whiterun, he's a nice guy. He's a proud, strong ruler and also quite pleasant in most of his dealings with you. He's definetly one of the most benevolent AND powerful Jarls; I would recommend him for High King. The man sides with the empire, so a stormcloak-loyal dragonborn would be forced to fight him. This was really the decider for me; I don't like kicking a close ally off of his throne, just to replace him with some propaganda spewing old man whom seems to posses some memory issues. If their was an option to convince Balgruuf to side with the stormcloaks - perhaps via a speech check- I would probably have sided with the charismatic rebels instead. - Winterhold: the wintry wasteland of a town, serving as a front door to the college. I dislike winterhold for its ghost-like appearance - I would have preferred it if it resembled the Hogsmeade, from Harry Potter. However, Jarl Korir - a stormcloak sympathiser - detests the college. His reasons are born from superstitious paranoia; he believes that the college is responsible for the destruction of Winterhold, without any proof whatsoever. - Falkreath: the wood-engulfed town, famous for its graveyard. The gloomy and depressing town is run by Jarl Siddgeir, a pompous and arrogant brat of a Jarl. Dengeir is Siddgeir's uncle and predecessor; he was apparently forced to step down because of an Imperial plot against him. Siddgeir is the definition of corruption; admitting to getting paid to do absolutely nothing. Whilst the lazy, Imperial-fed snob may not be the msot desired leader - Dengeir is also extremely paranoid, most likely not fit to be give power. However, with that said, Dengeir was in power before; so there's a high chance his paranoia will fade once he becomes Jarl again. I have no preference here; they're both dicks. :D - Markarth: the stone-walled fortress city of the Reach, which is plagued by Forsworn terrorists. Markarth is definetly an Imperial reflection of Riften; with corruption and a dominant family holding a tight grip over the city. I like Jarl Igmund, untrusting of dishonest professions - such as mercenaries - he seems to be a morally-sound person. However, he is ignorant to the fact that the forsworn are a larger threat than he thinks. Igmund possess a more competent court though, with Faleen and Raerk both being fully aware of the issue and trying to bring it to the Jarl's attention. It's a worthy note that Riften and Markarth are further mirrored in their courts; with both court's housecarls ending up in a relationship with an elf also in the court (Faleen/Calcelmo and Unmid/Anuriel). Thongvar Silver-Blood is the stormcloak's choice of Jarl, the man has a constant temper, he's also part of the influent Silver-Blood family; the Jarl was the only person who would get in the way of Silver-Blood plans (unlike the Black-Briars, in Riften.) His chosen steward is also a self-righteous, snobbish prick. - Morthal: Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone is the Imperial's Jarl, and Sorli the Builder is the Stormcloak's Jarl. Not much changes in Morthal, I'd advise meeting them to determine which you would prefer; if it really comes down to that. - Dawnstar: the frost-bound port town. The Stormcloak's Jarl is quite aggressive and paranoid; your first encounter of him will involve watching him threaten 2 legion veterans, even though they protest that they are EX legion. Former Legate, Brina Merilis, is installed as Jarl - if you follow the Imperial questline. She seems to be a lot more tolerant and welcoming to visitors than Skald the Elder. More people seem to be in favour of Brina, rather than Skald, most folk hate the stormcloak's jarl; even his own housecarl doesn't seem terribly fanatic about him. - Solitude: Skyrim's prosperous capital. Elisif the Fair will always remain as Jarl, whichever side you choose, but the stormcloak path will involve her becoming Ulfric's puppet; her life spared for the sake of a political advantage. Solitude seems a lot more hollow with the stormcloaks in charge. The people are mostly disgusted by the Stormcloak occupation; it was the seat of the empire, in Skyrim, afterall! Overall, I like the Stormcloak's ideals and values - but not those who lead them. I like the Imperial's leaders (Rikke, Balgruuf, Igmund etc.), but I disagree with the compliance they show to the elves. The only reason I would join the stormcloaks for is so Talos doesn't fade into non-existence. (if Talos worship is to completely cease, the god himself will also cease). Also, rising up as a Nordic army and defeating the elves - against all odds - is pretty badass. The Imperials are better people though, hopefully they will take the fight to the Thalmor.
