My first playthrough a decade ago was with the Stormcloaks

Neither, it's nationalist bigots versus fascists.

If I had a choice I'd choose neither.

But when I play I usually choose Stormcloaks.

I use to join the Imperials. But that was only because I wanted Ulfric's drip. Once I got a mod that allowed me to steal it, then I pretty much stuck to the Stormcloaks. They want religious freedom? I'm fine with that. They hate the Empire making them look weak? I'm fine with that. They don't want people around that don't understand/respect their beliefs? I'm fine with that. They don't want the kittens or geckos in their cities? I'm fine with that as well. Hell, ain't met too many of either of those races that weren't doing something illegal.

The Stormcloaks. The Impirials were going to kill me out of pure bureaucracy and with no reason or trial.

Kill them both. Dragonborn is the high king now!

The Stormcloaks would have killed you because of your race though if you picked wrong.