I believe Neil was also Ruggiero's uncle. Gotti and Angelo were lucky that Paulie was such a misfit as a Boss. If any real Mob Boss(like Gambino or Chin)was in charge,both Gotti and Quack Quack would have disappeared the minute their tongues and gums formed the necessary shape to say "no" to releasing the tapes.

Dellacroce being the old schooler that he was,I don't doubt for a minute that he would have done the hits personally,if so ordered.He was also shrewd enough to realize that Paul was so concerned with his businessman image,that he probably would not resort to any unnecessary public violence.With possible legal troubles on the horizon,Paulie wanted to lay low. Therefore,Neil felt that they could just ride out the storm and see where the chips fell. Neil probably knew that if Paul was going to do anything ,it would have happened already.