I think that there was a general feeling that if Chris wasn't Tony's nephew, he would have gotten clipped early on for a number of reasons,drug abuse being the big one.He wasn't a big earner,wasn't particularly ambitious,and was more interested in getting away from the Mob. Not only does he not get whacked,but he actually rises to acting captain,and at one time,Tony's choice to be his future underboss.Other than Paulie,who looked at Chris like a son,I don't think anyone in the Family took Chris seriously or had any respect for him.