Granted,there are many associates,who are wiseguys in everything but name only.
They are great earners,and exhibit great loyalty and business savvy.
Having said that,I do believe that the Italian requirement should remain in place.
It promotes a sense of brotherhood and belonging,and is the highest honor for an Italian criminal.
I would also submit that in any decent size area,there are always going to be talented Italian recruits.
When Luciano set up the Commission,he saw the value in working with people of all ethnic backgrounds,
but limiting actual membership to Italians to give them a sense of being the elite as well as
reinforcing the blood bonds that united them.
Interestingly enough,at one time Luciano considered ending the "blood and fire" induction ceremony.
He felt that is was a silly throwback to the Sicilian mob,and interfered with his plans to Americanize the Mob and operate on strict business principles.
If the original heads of the 5 Families would have went along,who knows what the Mafia would look like today?
Hell,we could have the Lansky Family instead of the Gambinos. LOL