All I was trying to say is that there is no easy answer, I know you are a die hard Empire supporter and that's fine. I did say that the Empire is a dream that deserves protection and unwavering loyalty to ensure it's survival. I also understand the need for a peace treaty after such an large scale of an attack. I do not approve of Ulfric's killing of the High King Torygg, there were other alternatives. One of them being would to take Torygg and train him maybe…
The man is emotionally and selfishly motivated.
Who isn't?
If you think Mede II sucks, then fine. But why should an entire Empire fall because of one bad Emperor?
Killing Mede II or separating from the Empire will not cause the power in Cyrodill to collapse. I actually believe some good may come from it, on way or another.
I think an Emperor who doesn't "fear" that an entire continent will be taken over by the Aldmeri Dominion, would be a very dumb man?
You're right, but we know that there were warnings coming in, from the Blades and other sources. These were ignored until it was to late. But if your home was invaded, and you had only the two options, to fight or live under your oppressors? What would you do?
In this case though, The Emperor did not hold to his conviction and gave into that fear. This is what caused two rifts, one obviously Skyrim, and the other Hammerfell. Neither of these two nations would have surrendered to these invaders.
But you are mistaken to to claim that the rebellion is not much of a big deal. Some of the Stormclaoks are Legionaries, with so much training to offer. IF Skyrim won it's independence from the Empire, then you are looking at a much bigger deal.
Ulfric, however, is the very core of his organization.
This is true, but also wrong. Confusing isn't it? How can that be?
Ulfric is, physically. But the core of his organization is actually Talos. This is what people flock to, not to the man, but to the idea and dream of what Talos brought.
We have our leaders, some do not deserve such titles. Just like Ulfrc, his crimes are too great. Let's not forget High King Olaf, or better known as Olaf One-Eye. He had a bard put to death because of his tongue. This guy lied and manipulated his way to the Throne. He couldn't have been any better then Ulfric, could he?
Ulfric is an awful person and I seriously doubt he would actually see the rest of a his rule before meeting a dagger in his back.
I've spent too much time on this and have forgotten what point I was trying to make. Facts are, I go Imperial every time I make my play through, why? Because the Empire is our shield against those who would do us ill. It is worth more to me then just dutiful protection, it deserves the best in all races who would gladly call themselves citizens. As flawed as our Emperors have been before in the past, there is always that hope, that dream, that we may call it perfect, and that we will see to it that it grows to what we know it deserves.
and when it comes to Ulfric, I still say that the biggest agitator in the Stormcloak Regime is Galmar Stone-fist is put to death just as Ulfric deserves the death and rejection of Sovngarde.