The Head or the Heart--What's the best TW3 Ending?

(**This post contains spoilers for The Witcher 3's ending.  1. Go play it--it's great.  2. Read with caution if you haven't finished it before)

Even though I've played through The Witcher 3 multiple times, I somehow managed to get my least favorite ending.  I felt some heart pangs when Ciri unbelted her sword, handed it to Geralt, and rode off to become the successor to the Nilfgaardian throne.  Where did I go wrong?  Oh yeah, rather than telling Ciri to ignore meeting with her father (the emperor of Nilfgaard himself) I told her that she should probably meet with him.  For some dumb reason I was very sure that this decision didn't really matter and that Geralt would still have the option to talk Ciri out of it in the end.  I have a gift for replaying things and still managing to mess something up!  Yeah, it's the ending I don't like, but I got to thinking about it and maybe it's the better of the two potential endings.

Say it ain't so, Ciri!

I decided to think of the two endings as the head--the logical option--and the heart--the emotionally satisfying option.  To me, having Ciri become the future empress of Nilfgaard has the potential to benefit the most people.  As ruler of a vast empire she can play a positive role in how Nilfgaard rules over its many subjects.  Life under Nilfgaard seems a bit like a mixed bag--they have a very organized system of laws and run an orderly government but there are some negative aspects.  Mages don't seem to have much freedom and are kept under the oppressive thumb of the emperor.  I suppose that is the preferable option to being burned at the stake by a looney tune like Radovid.  There's also the entire concept of using newly conquered peoples in labor camps that seems a bit sketchy.  I don't think this option is the preferable one for Ciri herself--she's basically trapping herself in a position of authority that is inescapable.  It's clear that her duties will keep her from spending much time with her beloved REAL family--Geralt, Triss, and Yen.

On the other hand, Ciri can decide to become a witcher and set out on the path--a life of wandering the countryside and taking contracts for dangerous monsters.  This option is the more emotionally satisfying one.  Throughout the main storyline it becomes abundantly clear that Ciri values her freedom and has spent her entire life running from one threat or another.  She desperately wants to have the ability to make her own choices and do as she pleases rather than constantly having to worry about staying ahead of whoever is currently pursuing her.  She could visit Geralt and the sorceresses whenever she feels like.  With this option it's also important to remember that Ciri isn't a full witcher--she never underwent mutations.  In choosing the Nilfgaard option you are reminded of this fact when Geralt spends a last few quality moments with Ciri.  He offers to show Ciri the carcass of the griffin in White Orchard and the two encounter a forktail that has settled in the abandoned nest.  Ciri narrowly avoids getting smacked by the beast and Geralt chastises her for her lack of attention.  Yes, Ciri has special gifts that give her fabulous abilities, but maybe trying to be a full fledged witcher is too dangerous.

Of the two options, I greatly prefer the second.  Ciri has been through so much and has spent basically her entire life suffering because of her "gift."  She needs a chance to enjoy life rather than being saddled with responsibility that she has never wanted.  That option is definitely the more selfish of the two--it's what's best for Ciri, but not what's better for the greater good.