.wouldn't it benefit the families to recruit from say, college graduates, or persons in a position to infiltrate society, commerce and industry? If they are really looking for long term stability with a shift to legitimacy, wouldn't this be necessary?
Yes, there's still a need for street guys, and I'm well aware of the conflict between the street and the "business men" but I don't see any way the families can stay viable without it

I believe this is because the vast majority of wiseguys made a decision at a young age to seek the easy way through life without educating themselves first. Much of it just laziness. Also, many of these people have "Street smarts" so are able to get through life without formal schooling.

My old principal always told me "95% of what you learn in life is on the street." These guys skipped school and went straight to the big leagues if you ask me. In my opinion they got a better education than most people that finished High School especially back in the old days. I don't think the educational system was anywhere near it was today - I know that's not saying much.

How long did it take u to figure this out?