I assume you're directly talking to me? I like to make sure so theirs not a miscommunication.
What would you call derailing a thread just to make a point?
But since we are debating anyways...
When you join with the stormcloaks you're not betraying the people in Whiterun. The man who's truly responsible for betraying Whiterun is the Jarl himself. Theirs no secret that he has a bad temper and it took the best of him when he decided to play the "I'm a better warrior then you" game with Ulfric. Instead of thinking of his people his hatred for Ulfric came first. I don't know why people feel bad about rebuilding Whiterun because it was being run by the wrong people.
Jarl Balgruuf was protecting the people of Whiterun from the ravages of the Civil War. He held his ground until remaining neutral was not an option, which is very admirable of him. He only reacted to Ulfric's threats, which is what caused him to join the Empire. Concerning the treatment of his hold and its citizens, he has done that job rather well. When faced with the threat of a dragon attack, he sent guards to protect Riverwood and readied Whiterun's defenses. That is more than Ulfric can confess, as he currently has a serial killer on the loose and is incapable of properly policing his hold. Of course, protecting the people of Windhelm would just be a consequence of his ill temper and an attempt to live up to his ego, right?
Oh and Balgruuf making you thane of Whiterun was mere payment for helping to defeat a dragon. It had nothing to do with friendship. You still had to pay for the house (6800 in total which includes all of the upgrades) include a very annoying housecarl that doesn't even want to be there.
For delivering Ulfric all of Skyrim and winning the Civil War on his behalf, you get to purchase a house for 12,000 drakes in Windhelm. That is without upgrades, mind you. I say that 6,800 including upgrades for killing a
single dragon is a steal.
An addition Balgruuf has a very disrespectful housecarl,Irileth, who comes up running to the dragonborn with her weapon drawn in a highly disrespectful manner. Is that a nice way to welcome a visitor?
Well, now you are just grasping at straws. I shall humour you regardless. You see, you barged into Dragonsreach unannounced and during a crisis. Irileth's job is to protect the Jarl from any possible threats, and a heavily armed stranger coated in a layer of blood is considered a possible threat. Perhaps if they weren't in the middle of discussing the spontaneous combustion of a nearby village, they would find the time to set out some tea and sweet rolls for you.
It is possible to betray your current side by
Spoiler taking the jagged crown to the opposing side's leader
, in case you were wondering, OP.