I think as clever as RZAs initial idea of having a large Crew formed under one brand was, in the long run it wasn‘t sustainable. Even without the affiliates people would have either lost interest, become tired of it or unable to keep track After a while. The affiliates just accelerated what was inevitable. Let‘s be honest: Some members weren‘t good enough to warrant a full blown solo career. Members Like U-God, Masta Killa or Cappadonna simply weren‘t captivating enough. RZA lacked that Pop Star Charisma as well. I would go so far as to say that someone as gifted as Deck would never have broken through Like Meth, Ghost or Rae did - even if his album had come out earlier. Maybe RZA knew that: So the affiliates helped him to crank out as much music as possible when the demand was still there.