Before I start off I must say that I am a Nord at heart and believe Skyrim should be a free land for "everyone". I am totally fascinated by the Nord culture, way of life and just about everything Nord and Skyrim from its mountainous tops to its lush landscapes. So on my most recent save I've been seeing a very different side to Ulfric. I won't say the Stormcloaks specifically cause I still believe their cause is noble.

However, for example lets start on my first visit to Windhelm I come across two drunk Nords harassing this Argonian. Any who I then come across Brunwulf Free-Winter - Hero of the Great War who is quite sensitive to the hardships facing the Argonians and Dunmer. He talks about how he is disappointed with Ulfric and how Ulfric only cares about himself and about the Nords. He also mentions that Ulfric is content to keep things the way they are in Windhelm.

Then on my way to Riften I come across Asger Snow-Shod. He has lost his sister in battle and feels very differently about Ulfirc. He took feels Ulfric is only bothered about Ulfric and no one else.

On the grander scale I personally see Skyrim falling to the hands of the Thalmor quicker with the Empire in charge. I mean Skyrim is the land of the free people. However, as much as I don't like Ulfric's actions I hate the Empire and the Thalmor even more.

I mean sure some of Ulfric's actions are noble and his cause is just. However, I just feel Ulfric is the lesser evil of the two. Even though I will probably side with the Stormcloaks since I believe everyone son and daughter of Skyrim should fight for their freedom, I am going to RP where I bring an end to the civil war and usurp Ulfric to the throne once all the matters in Skyrim (the DLCs have been released) have been settled.

Its probably been said before but I think someone like Ralof or Brunwulf Free-Winter would be better leaders of the rebellion. They both seem really nice people, especially Ralof who has the best for Skyrim in his heart.

When it comes to what side to pick... it really is a 50:50. Both have their good sides and bad sides.

These threads always make me wonder if people miss that one book that's easily findable during the MQ.

*Locks himself in a room with Nords wanting to kill both sides* these threads never turn out well.

Ulfric is not made to be a cardboard cutout white-knight hero. Of all the characters in the game, I think he was given the most depth, and with it he is the most likely to be viewed in many different ways by different people. If you take a closer look at historical figures who are typically deified, such as George Washington, you will find that they were not quite so shining and noble as the spin doctors would like us to believe either. Washington for example was a much greater racist that Ulfric's detractors claim him to be. For starters, Ulfric does not own any Dunmer, and Ulfric never signed an order preventing Dunmer from joining his army, http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/amrev/homefrnt/recruit.html

However, that said, I would caution you to avoid forming opinions based solely upon what a few other NPCs say or do. Brunwulf Free Winter for example is going to be made Jarl if the Imperials win, so he has a strong personal interest in defaming Ulfric. He also does absolutely nothing to change anything in Windhelm if the Impies do win, so he is a case of the New Boss being same as the Old Boss. Likewise holding Ulfric responsible for the two drunk Nords harrassing the Dunmer your first time in the game is a bit like saying that Obama is a racist. 'Bama is President, and the Ku Klux Klan and other racists are still around in America, so Obama is a racist too right?

I suggest you ignore what the other NPCs say about Ulfric, and instead concentrate upon the impression that your character has from their direct interactions with Ulfric. Judge the man by the man himself, not other people's opinions. That way if you still think he is an A-Hole, then that will be your honest view, not someone else's.

Being a good leader isn't about being nice; it's about making the right choices for your people, even when they might be unpopular ones.

You shouldn't let your opinions of Ulfric Stormcloak be swayed simply because a few people that you met along the roads didn't like him.

Too bad we can't kill off both sides.

Join the Thalmoor, perhaps?