A lot of people see werewolves as something inherently negative, so anybody who fights them is seen as automatically more positive than they otherwise would be.
My opinion is that the game makes it pretty clear that the Silver Hand are essentially common bandits who just happen to have it out for werewolves specifically, and that their methods in hunting werewolves go far beyond putting down dangerous animals. (There's a lot of tortured werewolf corpses in their hideouts)
There could have been potential for a grey/gray moral situation where you decide between helping generally good werewolves who are still prone to violence and bloodlust, or assisting the hunters who are tracking deadly inhuman animals but have let their work turn them into violent killers...but the game fails to deliver on that. The Silver Hand, as portrayed in-game, are 100% villains.
It's easy to assume the reason Ulfric didn't get anywhere with his original push for independence is because the majority do not want it. It just really bugs me how everybody seems to think Nord=Stormcloak & Imperial=Empire and it's never been like that. It's always been about pro-union Nords Vs Pro-independence Nords.
The Companions aren't normal werewolves, though. I thought the implication was that their version of lycanthropy was much more controlled...or that the Companions were just strong-willed enough to rein in the beast. (Vilkas mentions to Kodlak having trouble with bloodlust)
The average werewolf (Sinding included) does truly seem to be suffering from out-of-control transformations.
That's my point, the Companions are the exception.
Lycanthropy, like vampirism, is a disease. So your options are to find a cure, or destroy the carriers. The Silver Hand opt for the latter. For all we know, they're like a dark reflection of the Dawnguard, who lost family or friends to werewolves. It seems random to become a bandit who just so happens to hunt werewolves.
I don't let Sinding off the hook because he's clearly got enough presence of mind to stop and plead with the PC during the Blood Moon, which casts doubt on just how much he can resist his instincts.
You also have to bear in mind that it is suggested that his moot wasn't just yesterday, and the Civil War doesn't happen immediately after it. There's time between Torygg's appointment and murder for opinions to change, particularly if the Thalmor start stepping up their game.
No, five out of nine people sided with the Empire. The jarls made the decision and their holds had to go along. There wasn't a census, "Do you support Independence from the Empire?"
WE DON'T KNOW which side is more "popular" in Skyrim; the game makes it generally seem like both sides have roughly equal support. You are wrong. Wrong! Your belief that the Imperial position has more support in Skyrim is false, and you have no evidence to back it up other than faulty logic and made-up scenarios.
Not to mention that being more popular doesn't make a position correct. 99% of the country could support the Empire, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do.
Ulfric believes his cause is the right one, and I believe that the evidence from the game world is sufficient for me to support the Stormcloaks. If you believe differently, that's fine, but I won't stand here and have people peddle fanfiction as if it's actual lore.
Racist: No and my opinion won't change on this one. The Argonians live outside cause they have an uneasy past with the Dark Elves. Also, I never heard him say or saw him do anything racist.
Power Hungry: Because he killed the old high king when it wasn't necessary? Well maybe. Dunno. But my mind is open on this one.
Egomaniac: Well i don't know why he should be one, but if someone can explain me why he is a egomaniac i might change my opinion.
Racism. If my hero was, I'd want him to speak his mind, so we'd know who they really are instead of fake smiles and empty words.
I'm just saying, accept people for who they are goes both ways. If a hero is racist, let him do his thing, because who are we to criticise the man who just did something heroic when we did not?