-that even though the Aldmeri Dominion "lost the battle" and gained zero territory in the Great War, that this loss triggered the Civil War now raging across Skyrim?
The civil war was triggered by the Thalmor, when they captured Ulfric and brain washed him into starting his rebellion. The Imperials were (and are) content with letting Talos worship continue in secret, waiting for the day they're strong enough to start another war with the Dominion.
-that the Imperial's impotent leadership of the empire was what caused 5 of it's 9 provinces (i.e. Valenwood, Elyswer, Morrowind, The Black Marsh, and Hammerfell to secede from the empire? And now it apparently seems to be Skyrim's turn--starting to see a pattern here?
You got that a bit backwards, actually. At the start of the novels (Infernal City/Lord of Souls), the
entire Empire was in shambles. It was
only Cyrodiil that was under Titus I's control, and even then only barely. Since that time, they were able to get back Skyrim, Hammerfell, and High Rock. Valenwood being taken by the Domninion was a surprise to everyone, and it was done by a lot of killing. Elsweyr was put under extremely adverse circumstances (the moons disappeared for two whole years; besides the event itself, the moons are incredibly important to Khajiiti culture, so when they came back and the Thalmor claimed responsibility for restoring them, they were putty in the Dominion's hands). Morrowind left because it blew up. Black Marsh "left", even though they were only ever part of the Empire in name only. Hammerfell left, but eventually came back into the fold, and only left again because of the Concordat (which everyone knows isn't going to last).
-that even if the Imperials win--regardles of what side the mighty Dovahkiin chooses to champion---the resulting "unified empire" will be so incredibly weak and unstable, that the Aldmeri Dominion will end up "wining the war"? Because if this comes to pass, the balance of power in Tamriel will shift directly into Aldmeri hands?
If a unified Empire can't take on the Dominion, then a split Empire definitely can't. In which case, it doesn't matter who you support, and everyone's f'd anyway. Although that conclusion is questionable as the Thalmor see either side winning as bad for them, so it's likely the Dominion is in no shape to take on the Empire and Nords, whether they're under one banner or two (or three, if Hammerfell wants in on some more Elf killing).
Have you had the pleasure of meeting any of the Thalmor Justicars in your travels while adventuring on the roads lately?
Yes, they make pretty good pincushions.
