My two cents worth!
Michael and Fredo, sentiments aside....
Fredo was never really in the family business
I reckon Fredo will always be a threat and liability, his sort of deep resentment never goes away, always simmering underneath
Roth could tell Michael was suspicious or at least had his doubts near the end but still kept at it - Tahoe shooting, Cuba, Senate hearing
I believe, a man like Roth, if he was alive would risk going through it all again until he had Michael dead
If not Roth, another of Michael's enemies would reach out to Fredo again and again, to finish the job
Even if he were exiled and cut off entirely from Michael, Connie even Tom would probably keep in touch and could inadvertently let slip and reveal something of value
Even the authorities like FBI could reach out to Fredo, to try and get any damaging stuff about Michael from him that they could use against Michael
Michael had made too many enemies Too many variables not exactly foolproof No guarantee whatsoever
Out of sight does not mean out of problems
I've said this before, but the idea that Michael viewed Fredo is a threat is totally disproved by Michael's own treatment of Fredo.
He gives Fredo an indefinite lease on life - allowing him to live as long as Mama is alive - and even grants him access to the compound to visit Mama.
Is it really conceivable that Michael - who we all agree was totally paranoid - would allow an enemy to walk free for 5, 10, 20 years? Much less come to his home.
No, it's not conceivable.
Michael's killing of Fredo was personal, not business.
