Ivy, has it been established that they actually do replace all the dead members if they can do so? I was thinking for example the case where Gotti wanted Chin to make new members (so they would thank Gotti for it) and Chin didn't want to make anyone on the list "yet". In other words, have there been cases where bosses don't make as many members as they could if they don't match the quality requirements?
Yes, the rule is that the families can only replace members who have died (unless the death is a result of an internal dispute, i.e. the family killing ones of it's own). For example, there was that list found in Junior Gotti's possession that showed a Lucchese induction list of prospective new members next to the dead ones they were replacing. Prior to a ceremony taking place, these lists get past around to the other families to vet them and, if I remember correctly, the other families have 2 weeks to raise any objections.
As far as the conversation between Gotti and Chin, it seems the Genovese had 30 slots to fill, i.e. 30 members had died and had yet to be replaced. Why Chin was holding off on making them, I don't know, but apparently the family made up for it later on. They reportedly made 30 new members in 1993-1994.
I always wondered how NY imposes their will on east coast families. I have read about NY influence in new england, philly, and jersey in terms of when they could make members. How do they enforce that? Would they realistically send an army to blast away over other families making members?
I think it's more about recognizing them. In other words, what good is being a member if it's not recognized by other mafiosi? Especially the "big boys" in New York? In other words, it's more about politics than the threat of violence.