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.
Had nothing to do with Joe Butch. Scarfo was aligned with Genovese Fam. The Genovese wanted to whack Gotti so they asked Scarfo who he knew in Gotti's circle to get to him. Scarfo knew Gravano and attempted to use that option. Gotti knew Gravano and Scarfo had a relationship and that's why he made the Philly Fam go through Joe Butch instead of Gravano. Gotti was an egomaniacal narcissist, but he was very smart in the ways of Cosa Nostra.
