I genuinely don't feel qualified to answer the question, I'd speculate that the esteem Patriarca was held in by the Commission may well have counted in his favour regarding access to a wider spectrum of criminal networks, however Bulger had a capacity to cripple competitors that is almost unparalleled in the annals of organised crime by dint of his role as a TE informant.

Like I said, I really don't feel able to answer the question; I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me re: New England will be able to offer a better explanation, sorry.