When Merlino went to jail the big bookies was against him because he dont paied them, Bobby lumio from Boston that he made capo flipped for avoid drug charges. Merlino was the boss only because Stanfa that get life lost the NY help and so joey that was on 5he street become the new boss of the family but the family was damage by years of war and by the ratting of some members.
Ligambi stabilized the family not merlino.
I think joey was lucky that stay in philly and not NY where would be done the same end of crazy joe gallo.
At some point must return on philly maybe dont do it because the feds will try to fuck him, maybe become more smart in prison who know.