[Sundraoi]

I can't speak for those who take the path of legionnaire as I've only done that once and only because I had no idea what to do with Chania. I can say that it is the only faction you join and -instantly- receive the cloak and access to all faction areas. Granted, it's the military and you would have access to barracks so.. *shrugs*
There is also "the legion is the law in the absence of a Red Wizard" that's pretty attractive. Seriously, if an elf is "the law" then who, aside from their superiors or a Red, can have power over them? For this alone I think the decision to limit ranks for certain races in the legion is a good one. Consider this, in Nazi Germany, would a person of "an inferior race" have held a ranking position in the army? Or even been in the German army for that matter. Personally, I think elves at least should try to find factions that give them the ability to work in the shadows -against- the tyranny that is Thay. Find ways to help free their enslaved brethren. *shrugs* That's just my opinion though.