Hmm. I don't see the threat as a necessary manifest of importance. The novel points out that there were plenty of cues for Vitelli to pick up on regarding Michael's importance plus the fact that Vitelli would be able to verify Michael's bonafides.
Agreed Olivant. It was proposed that Michael had violated one of Vito's cardinal rules by making a threat, but I didn't see it that way with Vitelli.
"Io sono stanco, sono imbigliato, and I wan't everyone here to know, there ain't gonna be no trouble from me..Don Corleone..Cicc' a port!"
