Perfectly put Cicci, and I agree with you. But it's Michael's superior intelligence and cunning that saved him, and I think because of that after a while people began to respect and fear him. Michael did prove to be a great business man and mediator. He was also clever enough to leave the muscle end of his family in the hands of others, while still pulling the strings. This is how he survived for so long.

And I also don't see Michael presiding over the initiation rituals. I think that's something he left for guys like Clemenza to do.