LCN was much more organized, controlled unions, pension funds, various industries, and blended in with society.. they were much more sophisticated than gangs. Gangs have an almost immature,unsophisticated connotation associated with them by how they conduct themselves.
You ever see how a gangbanger dresses? They look ridiculous. Gangs are basically viewed as neighborhood cancers that victimize innocent woman and children. LCN always kept their neighborhoods safe.