So we must see Frankie as some kind of variation of Clemenza who inherited the New York empire of the Corleones. Michael let him do his own stuff but he demanded total loyalty and even obedience, even though there was no more hierarchical structure to support that authority.
Well put. As I posted above, the novel states that Clemenza had his own family. When he died, who took its reins? Well, the only film link are Michael's statements to Frankie: "CLEMENZA promised the Rosato brothers three territories in the Bronx after he died. You took over, and you didn't give it to them."
"I was very happy that this house never went to strangers -- first CLEMENZA took it over, now you."
And I almost forgot about this:
PENTANGELI" I -- I -- I never know no Godfather.I got my own family, SENATOR.
