Its a fact that they started as a Bonanno crew, but in time they got more independance from New York, because of the attacks from the feds/gov. Hence, they became the "Sixth Family". Their family is build upon the ruins of the Bonanno crew. Thats why they are made Bonanno members, maybe a bit renegade.
I realize they started out as a Bonanno crew. The debate revolves around whether they stayed as such or whether they evolved into their own independent crime family. From what I can tell, they were quasi-independent - for lack of a better term. And that due to geography as much as anything else. You had guys who were nominally Bonannos but practically independent for the most part. Guys who weren't American LCN at all but tied to the groups in Italy. And so on. At the same time, I never really bought into the "Sixth Family" hype said about them over the years. Even before their decline began.
I am new here so don't mean to barge in, but here is the deal. Montreal is to the Bonannos what Rockford is to the Chicago outfit. A crew with a lot of latitude and autonomy. Just like Chicago and Rockford, sometimes the tail wags the dog, that's why some think it is a "sixth family". Trust me on this, Montreal still very much belongs to the Bonannos.
They say you can't walk away, but I am living proof you can. Hopefully I have some things to share others might find interesting
