Something to keep in mind when analyzing the Bonanno/Commission situation is that although Gambino perfectly knew what was going on, he was in some way manipulated by Lucchese. Gambino fully manipulated Magaddino who in turn manipulated his brother in law Gaspar DiGregorio. Both Lucchese and Gambino wanted somebody else to do their fighting and Magaddino/DiGregorio was a perfect fit. It wasn´t til after the death of Lucchese that Gambino was willing to negotiate for peace. That´s why Bonanno, in his book, called Gambino "a squirel of a man" and in my opinion, rightfully so. Gambino was not cut out for fighting. At the end of the day though, Gambino outmanouvred Bonanno.

Carlo Gambino was never "beaten the shit out of him". If I remember correctly, Bonanno in his book, the original source for this, Gambino had bungled an assignment which made Anastasia furious. He raised his hand and almost slapped him. A normal man of honor would at least have left the room in anger. But Gambino answered with a passive grin.