Merlino didn't go away till late 90s, basically 2000. I know the official sentencing was like 99 or something but I don't feel like looking it up. But MMerlino put Uncle Joe in that acting boss position. Really,besides lance there werent many good choices but he knew scarf guys be getting out and UNCLE joes main people were still out so he was able to create a nice click. Probably his best decision cause he stabilized the Philly mob. Plus he had that street cred with flowers hit and he been around n is smart. I think if not boss or acting boss news best served as a consig cause he kinda wants to be retired anyway. Hioefully now that ranks are filled they can get people to keep their mouths shut and hopefully some of the smarter guys in the different factions can to get into more lucrative rackets instead of fighting over same shot. Kind of interesting to see what will happen with so many people getting off the books and some are stone cold