I think you're right, they'd think he was merely the trigger man. I think Michael was underestimated as a Don -- for strategy and leadership -- more than for courage or street smarts.
Yes. Remember that even Tessio (in the novel) detects in Michael a force clevely kept hidden.
"Generosity. That was my first mistake." "Experience must be our only guide; reason may mislead us." "Instagram is Twitter for people who can't read."
