I dont think you can compare 1931 to present day circumstances.You could get away with things back then that you cant today. There were probably a few times where you could say they were a united nationwide crime syndicate however for most part it was mostly a few individuals that probably got any benefits out of the commission.

MS-13s goal here was to set up a drug pipeline from west-east which was possible, cause if your an ms 13 member in virginia you might appreciate the drug connection from the west coast and the fact its from your own gang is a plus. Also you probably like the cred of being apart of a larger nationwide organisation. If your in new jersey or new york though you might question the usefullness of such a pipeline, unless your really into being orederd around from california.