Good thread. Another proof that Tony wasn't boss material is that he was easily manipulated by Johnny Sack. Remember how Johnny Sack almost talked Tony into killing Carmine Lupertazzi just so he himself could become the boss of that NY family. What could the Sopranos possibly gain from such move considering that killing Carmine would generate A LOT of heat and probably start a war? Just because Johnny promised Tony a higher percentage from those HUD scams Tony was ready to do it, lol. It was definitely not worth the risk.

I'm sure that if this hit went through Johnny (the snake as he was) would sacrifice Tony next. He'd have no problems convicing his family that Tony was responsible for the hit (given the tensions between the families at that time) and would start a war against NJ, probably get all the other families on the comission on his side in the process (because Tony had boss of the 5 families whacked without permission) and then install Paulie as his NJ puppet. I mean, even a semi-decent mob boss should sense something like this was Johnny's plan and that killing Carmine (a boss of one of the 5 families) is equal to a suicide.

And then in season 6 Johnny asked Tony to whack Rusty, a major player in the NY mob, as a "favour" and Tony agreed. He had nothing to gain by doing favours for imprisoned Johnny who was clearly losing his power and by killing Rusty (who had no beef with NJ whatsoever) he made way for Phil (his nemesis) to take over later.

Tony was insecure and always wanted to prove something to NY which ultimately led to a war.