Because it keeps guys from jumping to drastic actions, like a murder which hasn't been signed on to. And like I said, it says a little bit about the theory of Merlino & Johnny Chang being the best of friends. If they are, maybe Johnny would've been quicker to back Merlino's horse, along with his dad.
Isn't it possible he's just trying to be an objective arbitrator?
Maybe Merlino is letting things play out in hopes that an agreement is made, but as boss isn't it ultimately his call as to which way this dispute goes?
"I die outside; I die in jail. It don't matter to me," -John Franzese
