i think that merlino was smarter than what people gave him credit for. just like with casso he ran the family through natale just like casso did with vic. he knew what he wanted and let no one stand in his way. he did have the gotti agroance about him wich hurt him i do believe. he also beat those murder charges and got off easy on his rico case. i mean his lawyers had 90% to do with that but to overcome these obstacles i wouldn't go as far as to call the man dumb. not ripping on you spmob because you have some very valid points. he made poor decisions.