Colombo did it when the mafia was still secretive and under the radar. He was very overt and pissed off a lot of people despite being warned. The commision case brought the mob front and center.
Gotti was both liked and respected by most of his men despite what some say. He was also feard and guys earned big with him. Why kill him??? Does anyone really think LE would of slowed down on the Gambino’s if Gotti was killed? No !!
Massino closed down all the mob clubs and he still went down. Gotti would not of been killed. If LE didnt get him in 1990, he would of went down by 91 whether he was low key or not. The FBI doesnt give mob guys a pass if they stay out of the media.