Bonanno was the most influential and connected boss. None of the other bosses besides Galante (which he wasn't officially), had the political and business connections Bonanno had. Bonanno really didn't have any missteps until Appalachian, then Luchese and Gambino started maneuvering for Commission control and it kind of went downhill from there. Would of been a lot different if Columbo filled that contract instead of snitching.

Bonanno's book was a mistake, he said so much himself right before he was sentenced to almost 2 years for contempt for refusing to testify at the Commission trial. Massino shouldn't be on the ballot, he went full rat.