Once Salvie knew that Scarfo and Merlino wanted him dead, WHY didn't he at least go and try to see if Big Paul could save his life? Paul still was the recognized boss of bosses in 83-84.

I know that a boss should have the right to eliminate whoever they want in their family BUT, when Mr. Miggs was boss and wanted to eliminate Angelo Bruno, Bruno went to Carlo and VOILA, life saved!
Even though Bruno was only a capo at the time, his case was heard and Salvie definitely had a good reason to not get whacked.

In a perfect world, Big Paul could have said, "Nicky, go to florida, you are retired! and Salvie, you are now the boss!....lol. I know that would have been a long shot but,
wasn't it the Gambino's that appointed his dad?

It couldn't have hurt to try.