May be somewhat off subject, but what are the chances that Merlino has had a relationship or some sort of backing from the Genovese's as far back as the early 90s during the Stanfa war? The possibility is mentioned in Goodfella Tapes. Wouldn't be a complete stretch seeing as Stanfa was close with the Gambino's and during the 80s, Philly was essentially under Bobby Manna and the Genovese.