I have always gotten the impression that Michael was about to forgive Fredo until their conversation in the Lake House

Possibly yeah

What could Fredo had done to help an assassination attempt? The president of the USA is not as well protected as Michael was in that compound. Did Fredo give them a childish map with an arrow telling the killers where Michael sleeps? It makes no damn sense. They had armed men everywhere and the killers could not escape.

Fredo was no damn use to Roth and Uncle June.

I never thought of this until recently, when my YouTube feed started getting swamped with Godfather clips and analysis (and of course I had to see it ALL)

Personally, though, I think this Michael COULD have forgiven Fredo up to this point, but wasn't for sure planning to do so

Possibly the smartest thing Fredo ever did was NOT get in that car with Michael when fleeing Cuba

Also, looking back on it, it's not so much Fredo withholding congressional proceedings info that doomed him. I'd personally emphasize Fredo's attitude as the "culprit."

Fredo was only briefly apologetic and regretful. Then he went on that rant about, "it's not what I wanted!" He showed his true colors at that moment, demonstrating a level of bitterness and sense of entitlement that would always make him a threat to Michael and the family.

It helps, too, that the wife & I just finished binge-watching "Succession," a show driven by the competing notions of entitlement to the throne vs. worthiness to lead.

How do you know Fredo had that information and was withholding it from Michael?

What was Fredo’s involvement with the attempted hit? He snuck in and opened the drapes..?

Also, what was the ‘plan’ as far as Fredo saw it? He says Ola wanted him to help nudge Michael into doing the deal with Roth, and in the script he mentions a ‘kidnapping’. Does he think if Michael is kidnapped that he’ll temporarily become Don?

No, Fredo was finished once he got the Kiss of Death. Michael was ruthless and wasn't coming back from it. He forced Pentangali to commit suicide even when Pentangali recanted his testimony. Michael had no reason to do so other than to enforce his regime.

The meeting at the boathouse was just to get intel from Fredo, concerning the Senate hearings. Michael wasn't seeking any kind of amends

i never really understood this thing about questadt being Roth's man. what's the implication of that?

No, one doesn't think so....

Sure, Michael was hurt. But he was also a sensible businessman. He felt Fredo was too stupid. He felt Fredo may again make a critical mistake. I really believe he thought Fredo would continue to be a threat to the family and its interests.

So, it was beyond personal, it was business as well.

Now, do I agree? OF course not. Fredo is helpless by the end of GF2. He spends his days fishing with his nephew. I certainly would have kept my eye on him. Never would have completely trusted him again, but no need to knock him off.

For those that have seen GF3 - Michael suffers his comeuppance.