Considering he could have fought, like Hammer fell did, like you said, they pushed the from Cyrodiil. Then they signed a one sided treaty. I call that giving up. I call that surrender. There wouldn't even need to be a Second Great War if Mede would have just finished his job.
Do not forget the assassination on Emperor Titus Mede II on Skyrim's ground.
Is this for Empire, Stormcloaks or Thalmor's favor?
Will Empire not be wreaked by the dead of the Emperor or will that strength the Empire with a new king?
Why do Amaund Motierre from the Elder Council want to hired a Dark Brotherhood assassin to kill a Emperor.
Maybe it's their plan to strengthen the Empire with the Emperor's dead?
The tradition to kill the High King is retarded.
Skyrim is weaker now than it was before. Under Imperial rule it was prospering, and the Nords always kept their own culture. untill the deal with Talos, but that's only one (temporary) thing. They should consider themselves lucky.
Also, I saw a doctor not too long ago. I was healthy, wich suprised almost everyone.