I think we are both wondering the same things; what is/was the state of Philly LCN, in terms of backing by NYC and legitimacy, between the end of Scarfo (1989) and current day.

But to answer your question, Ralph Natale was made boss immediately upon release from prison in like 1994. It was right after the Stanfa/merlino war. It was in name only though. Joey M and his people kept natale in the dark about a lot of things. But, exactly who from the NYC LCN backed Natale, I don't know..

thx