What I liked about Merlino was his BALLS. I like how he stood up to Stanfa. He was also a little bit of a cowboy and I like that to at times. But as far as him being smart...I just don't see it. I do understand what he was trying to do with Natale. I just think he should have known better. I think he overthough that one. Natale was in and out of jail and joey should have known that at Natales age he would end up being a rat because he was going to do serious time getting caught again. And he had to real ties with these guys so he saved his own ass. I just think the two of them were not very smart when it comes to being a boss. I guess I kind of started another thread here by saying the dumbest boss. Sorry guys!