@BananaFirstly, Cool! You chose the same as me. It also helps that the Thalmor immediately ambushed me with orders to off me after I killed the Mercs. I've been reading online, and started doubting my decisions.
Secondly, you may or may not like this, but I chose to free the Forsworn in the mines. There were several factors that went into my reasoning. The first, and most important factor, was that glitch where the Silver Blood dude attacked me as soon as I got out, regardless of my decisions. I didn't know about the calming thing until I started a different run with a new race. The second factor was that the Forsworn said they'd just take back their land and have peace. The third factor was the tragic backstories for half of the guys in the mines. Fourth factor was that most of the vendors in the city were apparently cannibals. Fifth factor was the reward loot being better than the crappy Silver Blood Ring.
Of course...I do hate the part where I had to kill the thief. If anything, I wanted to kill the leader, and escape with the guy by my side. He could've gotten a fresh start...
Anyway, which side did you choose in the Conspiracy, and did decide to join or kill the Dark Brotherhood?