Scarfo backed Gravano for a number of reasons, 1) Gravano had been Scarfos connections with the Gambino family since John Simone situation. 2) Castellano told Russo he was sending one of his best guys who can be trusted to Trenton, who turned out to be Gravano. 3) Gravano took care of Simone. 4) Gravano was liked by the Calabrian faction of the family since at least 1979, Scarfo did not meet Gravano till later. 5) Gravano had more respect and rep on the street and in the underworld than John Gotti did. 6) Gravano never messed with Philadelphia or tried to shake them down for more money in a deal, he was known to honor deals made. 7) Gravano was more levelheaded than Gotti. 8) Scarfo did not like a few of the things he was hearing about Joe Butch.