So on both sides after you completed the civil war you are given a suppose top rank of being either a Legate (On the side of the imperials) or Stormblade (On the side of the Stormcloaks). Now my question is this. What is the meaning behind this rank? Sure it means that you became an officer, but what special authority do you receive after getting this rank? So far I see nothing and it's meaningless. I'm unable to order other soldiers around by telling them to follow me. Whats truly disturbing is in fact they're rather disrespectful to their superior officer when you enter a city. "You disrespect the law you disrespect me" And something about outsiders. You know who I am yet you give me lip? WTF!

Edited: Grammar fix (Not an expert)

It means nothing.

Congratulations, you've now discovered that there's absolutely no reward or recognition for doing a single quest in the Civil War.

Occassionally soldiers (not guards, soldiers) will say 'Stormblade, it's an honor' or 'Legate.' ... But aside from that, nothing.

You get the honor of killing either Ulfric or Tulius, but thats about it.

So I hear you're the new Storm-Blade. So you... what? Fetch the mead?

Ha! Pretty much.
If you really want to get a schizophrenic response from NPCs, have an Imperial complete the Civil War questline for the Stormcloaks. One second they'll be speaking in hushed tones about what an honour it is to be in your presence, the next they'll be making disparaging remarks about your race. "Stormblade! It's an honour... filthy Imperial."

Add to that the quest to make a marriage band for the Argonian couple in the Bee and Barb, and beating up the woman for the Thieves' Guild, and you get "Ours is to smile at your passing, friend" "Get out".

This. Makes every visit to that tavern just priceless, especially when he follows you around with the bipolar dialogue.
Also, I thought that "Ours is to smile at your passing" meant that he wants me dead.

I always imagine it's because his wife shoots him a look for being nice to you, and he's trying to save his tail.

Another reason I'm glad Krok didn't join the thieves guild. Was nice having at least a couple quests where I could help some swamp kin.