I think the number of "associates" in Mob families is exaggerated by Law Enforcement to some degree. It looks good when they can turn a low level gambling pinch into a roundup of "several reputed associates of the ____ Family".
A good example of a real Mob associate would be someone like Joe Pistone. As Donnie Brasco,he was involved closely with Jilly,Lefty,Mirra (to some extent),and later on,Sonny Black.He spent most of his time with Lefty,even eating many dinners at his house.
He was involved with Bonanno business on a day to day level,was trusted enough to be given a contract to hit Bruno Indelicato,and was on the fast track to getting made.
For every one guy like Pistone,you have maybe four or five who are really just fringe guys who do occasional business or favors for the Family.