If I had the money, I would buy the bigger pack (I would want that Mudcrab and the Imperial gear) and delete the ring of Mara. What is the fun of reaching the maximum level fast? I do not get it. The most interesting part of the game is in levelling, boasting with your newfound gear, showing your level to others, and enjoying how you progress.
Anyway, Khajit ("May the road lead you to the warm sands!") and Nords ("Skyrim belongs to the Nords!") are the only two races I would play. Imperials are not querulous elitists, they look more like common egalitarians to me.