So the Sopranos portrayal is complete nonsense? I mean the power and influence they had. There rackets were mostly unrealistic?
Not necessary. Before 1999 the DeCavalcantes was a viable family and have more unions control.
In the TV series Tony have a strong relation with Johnny Sack and this is his force while Carmine sr call the DeMeo a "glorified crew" . With the friendship of the underboss of the second strongest family in NY,Tony can assault Phil Leotardo a veteran that made 20 years for the Lupertazzis without serious conseguences.
The war with NY is unrealistic,in real life Tony would be killed by his men.
You must divide the Sopranos from the DeCavalcantes.
The DeCavalcantes had rebuilt its ranks but is a small family that must fight for made money against the 5 families and the Philly family.
They have to be satisfied with the remains, that is, those too stupid to get involved with the other families.