When amuso become boss chrismis 1986 casso only becomes the capo of vics crew but quickly rises to consigliere then underboss by the end of 87. Amuso probaly just assumes neil will get 50 to 100yrs like the guys in all the federal trials happening at the time. Neil was sentenced to 70yrs in 88 but flipped it on appeal thats when he was shot in 92 93 by the motorcyclist. He was let free on bail for the appeal. Casso knew he would take over his spot cause casso was on the run living in nj. Eventually neil takes a 10yr plea in like 94 but got credit for like 4yrs he did then got released in 98 99
