So I just made a new Dunmer character named Nerevar just to try something new since I usually play a Breton. At the beginning you have to make a choice to follow Hadvar (Imperials) or Ralof (Stormcloaks) and I really couldn't rationalize why a Dunmer would make more sense to choose one over the other. I don't think a Dunmer has any pressure to be in the war at all because they haven't been on good terms with any group of Nords for a long time. I like to make a character with a certain personality/background that make sense with their race and I can't figure it out. So for now I am going with Imperial Legion because they are more racially diverse and because someone like Nerevar is probably more likely to make a peace treaty with the emperor than the loyal Nords who were always at war with Morrowind.

Does anyone think either side makes more sense?

I'd say Hadvar, as most Stormcloaks are very anti-elf no matter their personality.

Well, you'd have to escape and you'd pick Hadvar to escape - even if you don't want to join the war. Besides, Stormcloaks are generally anti-elf as said.

Plus Morrowind is still in the Empire.

Most Dunmer resent the Imperial influence though...

Which poses interesting dilemma's in the tutorial. I had one Dunmer who went with Ralof because he was a known murderer, and well, going with the Legion when they KNOW you're a murderer seems like a silly idea. Other than that, every character I've made (pretty much) went with Hadvar (I don't play Nords).

True, but I think they'd be reluctant to leave, what with the Argonians occupying much of their south.