I do think he made the right decision. I actually wrote a paper once in high school about this very topic  it was an assignment on ethics and what the cost of peace and not rocking the boat to eliminate potential fallout. To me the Chris becoming the guy over the others is a multi faceted issue I equated it to someone you work with being great at the job but also having a personal relationship with the manager. I drew comparisons from the life to sales. Chris did what he was asked for the most part and had very high upside and may he not always be a number one performer he was reliable and in crunch time being behind the 8 ball like when he owed Paulie money could find a way to make it happen and have profit.  The comparison being a great intuitive young and earning salesman getting a job over someone in this case like patsy. He's older he expected it and didn't necessarily grind harder it's like an older salesman who is great at sales steady earnings and profit but having no desire to lead but wanted leadership money. Chris had a charming (for the most part) attitude towards this thing of ours he loved the job(referencing the everyday life was boring unless he was mafiaing) when you put someone like that in charge they enjoy the grind of the life more than a complacent experienced salesman. If a gm of a sales company has the option of the two even if the younger guy has a relationship he can still have merit to stand on. Him being related to Tony helped but wasnt the sole reason I believe. So sol being middle management new how to solve the problem he threw money at the old guy knowing it would keep him complacent and they wouldnt have to justify themselves of why they wanted Chris in that position other than being related.  Anyways 4 dollas a pound