The season 2 finale had a scene where Tony told Christopher he was getting his button. They carried out the ritual where Christopher was made early in season 3. How time flies...
Perhaps Chase wanted to show a pattern of people who may have seen Tony as weak and felt they could get away with more until Tony addressed it the latest episode.
I thought about that too but he's been a made guy for some time now and a Capo. Unless the relationship between Paulie and Tony changes for the worse then I don't think it will be an issue. Loved the look he had in the picture hanging up in Barone's office though. Anyone get a screencap of that? :)