Yeah, Altmer doesn't equal Thalmor.
I feel like Altmer = Thalmor is something a lot of the Nord's of Skyrim would think though lol.
Their views are terrible. They pretty much want to rule over everyone else, because they think they're much superior.
I do agree with them about the Talos thing, in that I don't think he should be considered a god. But I don't think Talos worship should be outlawed and something that could get you killed.
That being said, I still freaking love the Thalmor. Not gonna lie, it's mostly for the looks. The robes are cool, and the Altmer are pretty.
Well, as far as we know, Talos did actually become a god. In Oblivion, you need the 'blood of a divine' to complete a quest and blood from Tiber Septim's armor is used. Then in Knights of the Nine Talos' blessing allows the player to enter the spirit world and return. And of course, in Skyrim shrines to Talos behave just like shrines of the other divines. So there is ample evidence that Tiber Septim did manage to obtain godhood somehow.