Well... while I understand your gripes, I have to say that there was no need to foreshadow the Hyman Roth situation. And, although a mention of Frankie would have been usefull in understanding who he was and where he came from, it wouldn't have made much sense. Clemenza was Vito's man. The real purpose of the flashbacks was to establish the story of Vito's rise to power, develope his character, and give a contrast of he to Michael.
"From now on, nothing goes down unless I'm involved. No blackjack no dope deals, no nothing. A nickel bag gets sold in the park, I want in. You guys got fat while everybody starved on the street. Now it's my turn." (King of New York)
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