I didn't know there was a legit explanation as to why the dragons are still around after Alduin's defeat. I just assumed that it made sense that the dragons wouldn't magically disappear to once Alduin was gone. They are, after all, living, breathing physical creatures. Why should they go away after I defeat Alduin?

@Swollenwabbit:

1. It's true that they might not pull their troops back, but supplies and replacements are another matter. It would depend on whether or not various Legions not currently involved were more loyal to their commanders than the Empire as a whole, since such forces would go where their commander went, rather than where the regency ordered them to, if said commander disagreed with Imperial policy (and some surely do). You may be right that I'm probably asking for a bit too much, but at least you'd be seeing the impact of your actions.

2. I honestly don't buy it, despite the graphic evidence in-game; dialogue from Paarthurnax and Odahviing implies that removal of Alduin removes the Dragon threat by default, as they were simply doing what he told them to, so it doesn't make sense that they keep dive-bombing settlements after you remove his influence. Keep in mind that by doing so you're considered to have the strongest Thu'um, so they're not about to do anything that might piss you off.

I suppose it could be argued the other way, since that same dialogue from Odahviing contains the comment in your spoiler, however I just don't see it given that we know that they obey the strongest without question. I know that calls into question how Paarthurnax was able to turn, but there's an implication that he and Alduin are different from the rest (he practically says so himself) so don't necessarily follow the 'rules'.

3. I have a feeling that's the case, which is a shame since it would have been nice to be able to side with them and learn more about why they ended up in their current position, since the lore only goes so far.

4. No argument there, the guilds are woefully underdeveloped.