Well lets see, you say this incarnate of the dominion isnt like the skyrim version but i beg to differ, look at this quote from it's leader.
condesending towards human? check, believe that elves are superior? check, wants to rule over humans because it's their right? check, sounds like the same dominion to me.
The Ebonheart pact has good intentions but the factions dont get along very well, they are only helping each other cause of a greater threat, and while they are tough customers, you dont rule with brawn you rule with brains.
The Daggerfall covenant, like you said they seek to restore trade route, and while it may not sound like the best goal it is a very important one, without trade routes, armies can't get the supplies they need to fight, citizens can't get nessicary things to survive and kingdoms will fall. So trade routes are the life blood of all nations, Plus with the brains of the Bretons, the combat prowess of the Redguard and the smithing skills if the Orc, that makes them in my opinion the most balanced of the 3 factions.
if you couldnt tell i prefer the covenant myself, they are simply put the best faction out of the 3, plus my second favorite race part of it lol the bretons, imperials are my favorite but they dont belong to a particular faction