what are the advantages of being the leader of the different guilds.

companions
thieves
darkbrotherhood
winterhold
also the civil war
and main quest

after the civil war you get nothing apart from a sword.
the main quest you get nothing
both of them you get no recogniction

I was a bit disappointed myself. Nothing really changed all that much. After saving, killing, and overall being a demigod, the world and ambience did not seem to notice.

Sapphire still won't tell me her real name, she doesn't even know me.

That's pretty much the overall attitude of all your underlings.

I don't know, having Odahviing as heavy artillery support after the main quest, that's quite the perk if you ask me.

1. Free Housing
2. Companions to fit the character style the Guild supports.
3. Training specific to the Guildline
4. Access to unique Clothing, Armor, and Weapons.
5. A steady source of income for your character.

Main Quest gives you both Call Dragon shout for Odahviing (as someone else mentioned) and also the Call Hero or whatever it's called to summon help.

You get minor recognition from guards who will comment on certain questlines and/or your reputation. No, the game does not go through drastic changes, and it's a tired argument that's been beaten to death on the forums.

It's simply that nothing was written into the game as far as real "reactions" or consequences. Whether that was due to a hard release date, or lack of developer intellect for this particular TES title, I don't know - and at this point it doesn't really matter.

The Companions quest were good, but kind of lacking.

This.

I think all of the stories are good though DB and TG are -really- good. If the post-quest missions are lackluster remember we complained to Bethesda that there was nothing to do after you became the head of the guild. Now there's missions, even if repetive and unimaginiative. Personally, I like. Stuff to do, people to steal...no wait...

Well for the companions, once you become leader, you get to fetch the meade.