Merlino and his buddies are just the worst of the worst. The Philly guys seem to be more degenerate than the NY guys - if that is possible.
There is at least a semblance of decorum in the NY families.
Merlino, Mazzone, Borgesi.....
These guys are just too jocular to have powerful positions. Look at Nicodemo.
It's hard to believe these people would rise above soldier status anywhere else.