I've never played as anything but a human character in all of my TES games. I got a late start with Morrowind since that was the first time I ever heard about this franchise. I don't know why some of you want to play as an elf let alone the Thalmor. They seem to have been modeled after the Nazis from what I know about them. I also don't get how people can "roleplay" as an animal character. It takes away from any sort of connection you can make to your player. I know they're humanoids but I've never imagined myself as an animal or wanted to be one for that matter.
For starters, there's the racial bonuses and abilities you have, depending on the race you play. If you want to focus on a magical fighting style, you'd better go for high elf or dark elf instead of another race. And secondly, people tend to like elves because of the esthetically pleasing aspect. Elves always have had this elegant, agile style about them, and external beauty always plays a role in creating your own character.
Also, you'll want to look up more information about the goals of the Thalmor, because conquering Skyrim is a very tiny piece of it. Only a means to facilitate their real goal. In fact, conquering Skyrim isn't really important, the "conditions" that the Stormcloaks are rebelling against are of a much bigger value to them.
Oh, and the animal races are cool. End of discussion.

Nah, I've never played with one of them either, but that's because the inhabitants of Vvardenfell, Cyrodiil as wel as Skyrim pretty much hate them. Not so fun to play with then. It was bad enough to hear "outlander" every time you passed someone by in Morrowind.
Besides, you don't have to imagine yourself as an animal while playing with a beast race you know. O_o Just look at it like you've got extra fur (nice and warm in Skyrim ^^) or scales. Argonians are even able to breath underwater, which is quite an advantage when you want to explore things underwater.
On-topic with the thread: Yeah, I agree. I'd love to play on the real enemy's side for once. I'm already planning on creating an illusion- and destruction-based altmer spy next, with the mission of stirring up the civil war even more, and creating chaos and turmoil in Skyrim. That way, the Thalmor will have Skyrim for the taking.
