[quote=GreivousKhan]
In that case it makes more sense to ally with the Thalmor , they have better mages, are more organized, are closer, have arguably the best navy (which would help defend trade lines) and can actually provide assistance should war rear it's head.
[/quote]

Yeah, ideologically and socially everyone hates the Thalmor's guts (In the Embassy it's clear that Malborn isn't treated too well, and it's mentioned the Thalmor murdered his family) but if you wanted protection it would have been better to side with them than Morrowind, because Morrowind is on the other side of Tamriel and is currently recovering but still rather troubled.

That said, now it's recovered Valenwood having opened relations with Morrowind could pay off well