@ Izumi:
Absolutely true, what you said about surgery. There are some surgeons out there who are true artists, and it's amazing what they can do. Money, of course, is the issue. Naturally, the best ones are way expensive and, thereby, out of the reach of many people here. However, folks CAN get these surgeries if they really want to. People take out car loans every day that are as much or more in face value than most of the surgeries you are talking about. Many of us on here DO have THAT option. It's just a matter of how much we really want the surgery and if we can somehow fit it into the budget. Not everbody can, and I deeply feel for these people. If I ever make serious money, I want to set up a trust to fund GRS/SRS and cosmetic surgeries and counseling sessions for the less fortunate among our trans community.
Lastly, I get a kick out of your reference to the Mafia. People generally think the Sicilian Mafia is the toughest, but the Russian Mafia is reputedly VERY tough. However, even they don't outdo the Thai Mafia. Those are some cruel mo' fo's.
I can just imagine Izumi the Russian Mob Boss:
"Donna Izumi, I've come to pay my respects, capice?"

Omerta! Just kidding!

Sentimental Journey:
Jump into the Time Machine ... back to the U.S.S.R. ... Great memories from childhood:
THE BEATLES BACK IN THE U.S.S.R