Merlino and his buddies are just the worst of the worst. The Philly guys seem to be more degenerate than the NY guys - if that is possible.
There is at least a semblance of decorum in the NY families.
Merlino, Mazzone, Borgesi.....
These guys are just too jocular to have powerful positions. Look at Nicodemo.
It's hard to believe these people would rise above soldier status anywhere else.
It's because they took control of the family in there early 30s. Most guys aren't even made by then. They are all free and in there 50s now.
