No. It was to illustrate a natural progression. Remember that Clemenza was as old as Vito, weighed a ton, and ate salami every morning for breakfast. That he lasted as long as he did without a heart attack was a miracle. GFII could have been screenwritten from day 1 without Clemenza in any scenario.
And cannoli for desert every night, with a big dose of Chinese before any big job.
"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!"
And cannoli for desert every night, with a big dose of Chinese before any big job.