Alright folks. Hot take here: Skyrim does belong to the Nords but the Empire has rightful control of the region.
The Empire is weakened by the A.D, and it's main goal is to fight their influence in the next Great War to kick 'em back to their fucking island. However, the Empire is in a weakened state. The rebellion in Skyrim is only weakening the already crumbling Empire. The Nords have a right to be angry about their situation, but they have to realize that they must be united to beat the fuck out of the A.D
The Rebellion in Skyrim only helps the A.D in the end. It's a meatgrinder of insurgency where young Nords and Imperial Soldiers go to die. The Nords should suck it up for a few years until they beat the fuck out of the fucking pointy-ears and then go back to being a semi-autonomous region in the Empire.
Over all though: FUCK ELVES