I know it mainly wasn't. But seeing a lot the write ups that were turned in at my station, and some of the ridiculous taxi speeds (at one point I witnessed not one, but three AA Super80s taking a side route to pass a 190 enroute to the hold short line. You know it's bad when AA, who are famous for taking their time, are passing you!), I also know BS when I see it (again, I did actually work at US Airways mx for a number of years too). And yes there are/were a lot of folks on the other side kicking things over to the flightcrews to hide their own dirty laundry. When I say not amused, I mean the whole situation totally belied the fact that there are responsible adults at work here. I was most miffed about it though, because it's really seemed like Airways has been on a roll lately (they seem to be a much better operation overall then when I was there in house) otherwise.
Don't I know it! I've worked at a few airlines, including Airways & Piedmont (EN that is). But compared to the two other mainline operations I've worked for in the past, and the other three airlines our current contract is with, US really isn't that bad. Not perfect, but not exactly NK either. I'll see your wager and raise you to saying that I doubt there is a single Airways West 733 without a major systems MEL on it as we speak (we see a lot of those here). And all add that what's her name who refused to take that A330 in Italy (or was it to Italy, I forget) the other month was right on. Captains do have the final say, I don't want a plane that can't maintain pressure in its Blue system or restart an engine over the Atlantic Ocean going out, (legal or otherwise.) But when a flight is canceled over an IDG inop (non-ETOPS of course!), that seems a little questionable. Especially considering how much harder it makes the rampers, reservations, & customer service folks have to scramble. Just my opinion though.