Yeah, Meadow was sharp as a tack and had she been born male she might of been the "heir apparent" Soprano.

As for Jackie Jr, he was another kid who was spoiled by a wealthy dad. He wanted to be a mobster not for the money but for the status, and some half-assed notion about continuing his father's legacy. Hence he was sloppy. These kids weren't raised int he atmosphere of their parents and their forefathers.

Now take for example a son of a soldier or a capo, and they usually got the grit to ascend in the "life". Then again it's all about if they are born with a "silver spoon" imo.