Hello Frank, welcome to the forums. You will find here answers to almost every questions.

As for the difference between a made men and associates is simple, made men has to be italian. Nowadays your father has to be italian, in the past you had to have both parents ot Italian heritage. Associates are in all kind, they make money for the made men. And those can be Russians, Jews, and any other criminal looking for money. They wont be full mafia members. And for the other questions, ask the locals here who actually live in those kind of neighborhouds.

Welcome again smile
and please check my thread about the mafia families in the USA included with charts up to date.

Up to date mafia charts --> https://cosanostracharts.wordpress.com/