I remember in season five when Tony had a sit down with Johnny Sac, Paulie was not present, only Chris and Sil were with him. Paulie doesn't really effect their buisness, as Butch said, "only management". Paulie was Underboss in name only, Bobby was in fact Tony's left hand man (as Sil was his right). Phil may reach out to Paulie as he is like Phil, both old school mafiosos.

I think Paulie survives this series, which even furthers my belief that Chase will attempt a movie.

Best line in the episode is when Silvio confronts Burt Gervasi...
"There are some things you can't do over the phone."