Regardless of whether or not he was talking to be a big shot, I don't see what the quote proves other than Calabrese stating the obvious. Seems pretty clear that having the muscle to take out a half dozen key individuals at any point in the Outfit's history would make things fall in line for you pretty quickly.
Not when you factor in the second part: "That's what it's come to."
He is clearly pointing toward a significantly diminished Outfit, at least in his mind.
Reading between the lines of his quote, I think, actually, it is quite clear he is insinuating that in the past it would have taken much more than getting rid of just 7 guys.
Sure. Won't argue that. He was clearly insinuating that. You also have to wonder how much is typical "things aint what they used to be/things were so much better in my day" type stuff.
I don't entirely believe EP is retired. As someone else pointed out, I think they are 3/4 white collar though. Of course all is pure speculation, as I am not an FBI agent nor am I anywhere near that world.
