Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-12323583-20131117093148/@comment-24261859-20140126035721

They did cause heavy losses to the Elves in the battle of the Red Ring, but still lost a colossal number of troops themselves. The Imperial city was sacked, which likely cost them a lot of infrastructure and production capability, while Alinor remains untouched and still functioning at full capacity. They might have been able to push their momentary advantage, but that would be a very risky proposition at best, so Titus decided against it in favor of a more conservative strategy. You're right about reproduction rate, so while both armies were heavily damaged, the Empire will rebuild faster, but that still takes some time.

I can see how Ulfric, being a more aggressive, impatient, and passionate leader would be disappointed. Doesn't necessarily make him right, but that's how it is.