That may very well be true, Lucasi. But don't forget, the weakest New York family is still more likely to "have the ear" of the Genovese and Gambino families, than either of the Chicago or Detroit families. Their proximity to the stronger New York families makes them stronger by extension.

For instance, the Luccheses are in partnership with the Genoveses in many construction projects. Now let's say the Luccheses get into a beef with the Chicago Outfit over something silly. Sure, the Chicago Outfit is stronger than the Luccheses are on their own. But if the Genovese family gets involved (and they're going to if they're making money with the Luccheses), then that's all she wrote. There's no comparison.