1. during imperial vs stormcloak battles, 99% of imperials are wearing light scout armor, making them one hit kills (power attack)
2. equipment drops from the imperials are all the same. i was at least, hoping imperial captains to have some sort of secret weapon/ pendant, but sadly no...
3. i fear i will obtain nothing more than an interesting story from the main quest. this makes me mad, because (based on my OB experience) i spent days leveling my character up, so i could get the most out of the main quest, dark brotherhood, and so on.
4. this is realistic and is an improvement. i just wish bethesda warned us.