Tyrion challenged us to be vocal, so I'll give it a try.

When we compare the "old days" to the present, each of us have our own opinion on the degradation or progression of our society. Also, each of us have our own opinion as to how it got there. So please, do not think that I'm trying to adjust the popular belief, just asking some valid questions. Now, onto the discussion.

One of the things that has changed since the "old times", is the presence of the Godfathers. Super-mobsters that seem to live forever, or so we think. Well, since Godfather Marietta's introduction, has that had an effect on our world? Even if Marietta had taken no action against any city, would you still say she changed things? Drastically? In my opinion, the establishment of the Godfathers has brought a sense of immobility to our society. In essence, we can't do what without a Godfather's approval, or without dismantling a godfather (both extremely difficult). I'm not saying that's a bad thing, and I'm quite delighted to see such stand-up characters in the godfather position, but I'd like to question the role of the godfather in all this.

Are godfathers the swinging bat of the city? Are they the world police? Judge? Jury? Executioner? All of the above could describe any of the godfathers we have in effect at the moment. My question; would people be more inclined to make "power plays" if godfathers were to exclude themselves from the conflict? Would some cities stay standing if their godfather were removed?

Just askin'.

Probably not. The godfather is a figure that shows the strength and weaknesses in the city, the person who desides what is going to happen in the city. If  you take that away, dons in the same city probably would start fighting eaach other to be the best.

My opinion

Yes I think a lot revolves around them. Not that they decide everything but they are the basis in which serious questions are answered. Taking over a city. The Approval to wage war and auth. Godfather are not there just to rule the city. They make the valid decisions which will improve the city. Clearly they are there to maintain the city, without them how much chaos would be brought upon running citys. CL's could gang up on anyone that starts crews. Godfathers take iidiots power to create havoc away.

Afro: I disagree. If you look at the structure in place in any of the cities, you'll see a "Street Boss" and "Captains". The captains aren't usually given 50-man HQs, and therefore, always stay weaker than the Street Boss. I mean, before godfathers, there wasn't in-city fighting like what you're describing. At least, not as often as inter-city fighting.

Hickey: That's the point "CL's could gang up on anyone that starts crews". I'm puzzled how this is a problem. I'm sorry if I'm the first person to tell you this, but the mafia is a cutthroat business. It's not about "fair chances" and such. Maybe this world has changed too much. Anyways, this would require the new crew to make deals, make allies, and not make enemies. If one of the CLs can make money off the new crew, why kill it off?

Purely for power. I'm not disagreeing with you that this is a cutthroat business but there has to be some sort of authourity in the crews in all citys. Thats where the Godfathers come in.

Hickey is telling the truth the Godfathers are like the Don of the dons in the city.Thier the ones who decide who succeds and who doesn't.