Well, if I joined the Lin Kuei pre-MK4, I pretty much understand that my services are for sale to the highest bidder, usually for sinister purposes, and if I quit the clan, I pay for it with my life, and I would eventually end up being turned into a soulless robot. Joining the LK post-MK4 means I know I'll be a hero of Earthrealm instead of a for-hire assassin, I won't have to worry about being automated, and I won't have to worry about being executed for leaving the clan (unless of course I go all Benedict Arnold on Sub-Zero the way Frost did)....but the trade-off is that I have to live in cold climates, and I hate cold climates
Joining the Shirai Ryu means I'll probably oppose everything about the pre-MK4 Lin Kuei, but then that means I'll get whacked along with my family and the rest of my clan, and I'll spend eternity doing the bidding of the man responsible while being deceived into thinking it was someone else.
Decisions, decisions...