There has been a lot of discussion on organized crime forums about this. First off, Ligambi and Merlino are close. Ligambi isn't an outsider like Stanfa was. He is "one of the boys." Second, Ligambi straddles the Scarfo, Stanfa, Natale, and Merlino eras. He has wide support in the Family and is officially recognized by New York. Third, when Merlino finally does get out of prison, he will have law enforcement all over him. Even if he were to try to make moves, it would be very difficult for him to do so. All that said, there is always a good possibility that the current Ligambi regime could be hit with an indictment and be off the street by the time Merlino gets out. Only time will ultimately tell.