I too reckon killing Roth need not have been a suicide mission at all
Michael did say “That's where I want it met†to Tom's “That [Roth's] plane goes to Miamiâ€
Whilst “airport was not the only chance†Michael certainly wanted Roth killed publicly at the airport for whatever reason – showcasing Michael Corleone's power, no one escapes the Corleone vengeance, no one gets a pass
Roth was not really well protected being out in the open, the airport was full of people
It seems Michael selects his men as best suited for the jobs in accordance with their aptitude, proficiency, prowess, skill set etc. and the importance of the tasks
It doesn't always have to be someone like Neri! whoever Michael thinks is
sufficient for the said jobs
1. Neri for Barzini
2. Clemenza for Strachi and Carlo
3. Rocco for Tattaglia
4. Cicci for Cuneo
5. ? for Greene
Michael would not sacrifice any of his men especially his top men whom Michael selects
and counts on them to carry out their jobs successfully and get away with it
"losing someone as big as Rocco would hurt Michael" indeed
The Don might give the killing order to the Capo but it is up to the Capo to work out how to kill the target
and get away with it
If Rocco had an escape plan, he need not have to run at all!
I doubt Rocco if captured, would sing to implicate Michael irrespective his loyalty to Michael is unconditional like Tom's or not, knowing if Rocco does, his days will be numbered
Rocco knows it would be just a matter of time before Michael's long-reaching tentacles of death comes calling wherever he is, how well he is protected
Rocco knows very well no one gets a pass especially turncoats
