Philly definately wasn't a second tier family compared to Chicago. Don't forget that Philly had a great run when Angelo Bruno ran the show. They made nothing but money during his reign. Scarfo in the 80's dropped more bodies than the outfit has in the last 30 years. 2nd tier families during the 80's would be Cleveland,L.A.,K.C., Detroit etc. Philly had A.C. to Trenton and all of Delaware County. They are right on par with the Outfit then and now.
Philly had Philly and the surrounding areas. Chicago had the entire Midwest and the Teamsters. Up through the 80's, it was the NY families and Chicago and then everyone else. The second tier was Philly, Detroit, New England etc. Then the bench warmers were LA, San Fran etc. As far as killing a bunch of your own guys, what does that mean when it comes to power? The Luccheses killed more guys under Vic & Gas than the Genovese have killed the last 30 years. Does that make them more powerful?
Chicago - Capone, Accardo, Ricca, Giancana, Aiuppa, Alderisia, Nicoletti, Spilotro, DeStefano, Torello, Ferriola, the list goes on and on
Philly - Bruno, Scarfo, Testa. That's about it. I can't imagine guys like Stanfa and Skinny Joey Merlino ever getting close to the top of the Outfit.
