You're nuts. Vinny was both feared and respected. A rare combo. He had major support in the Genovese family from Angelo Prisco, who's word in the Bronx was final at that time. I don't believe any of that he said/she said jailhouse bullshit. There's nothing else to do in federal prison but talk.

Granted, not everyone liked Basciano, and more than a few people are laughing at his fate. But that's neither here nor there, because it has nothing to do with whether or not he was feared or respected----which he was.