When the FBI and other Law Enforcement recognized the existence of a Cosa Nostra and Magaddino Family controlling Upstate NY,if they zeroed in on Magaddino guys or Falcone guys,they could possibly have missed out on recognizing that Luciano/Genovese and other NYC Families and other cities could possibly have had a few inducted members and/or associates operating in Upstate NY. Some of these guys might have mistaenly been listed as Magaddino or Falcone Associates. Or possibly some guys could have been connected to Magaddino and maybe Genovese at the same time as Associates
So if that occurs,and for example,the Genovese have a gambling operation they want one of their guys in Upstate to run,wouldn't they likely keep peace by working out an arrangement first with Magaddino? And if not,there would be a problem if the just went ahead without getting Magaddino agreement ?
Thats quite possible, and even probable. After all, we do know that their were several guys who were 'with' NYC-based families.
And you're absolutely correct that in more cases than not, any crew looking to operate in any manner in either legal or illegal activities would certainly follow protocol and contact the resident Family in control of a given area to first, ask permission, and secondly, to probably offer a 'tribute' of some kind out of respect to the boss of that particular borgata.
