Michael wanted to think of himself, and be thought of, as "legitimate"--but on his terms, his definition and that was the case

Both Michael and Kay were delusional about “legitimacy” but he had achieved the semblance of legitimacy and as We see in GFIII more "legitimate" than ever

We saw how people were not treating him as crime boss to his face and going along with his "legitimate" front

He sat with all those business people at Batista's meeting and Roth's birthday party like he was no different, was one of them
Senators were associating with him, Anthony's first Communion party at his home, Superman club and the Presidential palace New Year reception

Michael's "legitimate" front was the Elephant in the room