For some informants, i think it's not really a question of strength but it's more of a hustle.
Guys like Gravano and Casso, they're hustlers. They were hustling in the streets and turning informant was a way for them to hustle their way out of a life sentence.
We always talked about how weak these guys are but it's not the point. it has nothing to with their strength or weakness, it's just that no matter what situations, they would first and foremost try to find the best solution for them.
It's no coincidence that these two guys went back to crime even after cooperating. As i say, they are always hustling.
Generally speaking, I agree with you MV. Guys like Casso, Gravano, Franzese, etc., all fit the bill you speak of.
Bu there were many others (too numerous to count) who went/go to jail every day like men and do their time -- whether that be 10 years or 100 years.
Think Fat Tony Salerno, Bobby Manna, Carmine Persico, Sonny Franzese, Carmine Galante, John Gotti, Frankie Locascio, etc., etc., etc. That list goes on and on... its never-ending.
So there WERE lots of standup guys who proved their mettle time and time again.
