Hmmm...personally I think "associates" is a pretty vague term. It could mean anything from a bookie to a realtor who looks the other way.

None of us will ever really know a lot of the nuances.

I do think there is merit, though, in the idea that if no one is being busted for anything, activity is likely down.

Harry Aleman was arrested literally 20 times. I don't buy the idea that the Outfit just got smarter and no one gets pinched for anything anymore.