Mechanicals, Shmecanicals!
The truth is, the company is going on the "CHEAP". That used to be a dirty word in this country. Now, it is many corporations mantra.
Parts on hand or an active lend-lease program works to keep the airplane running. Aircraft maintenance planning is based upon utilization and failure trends. Other carriers are flying the same or similare routing with same equipment and have not had the same complaints!
The flying public is getting what it asked for and executive management is giving it in bushels. Too bad most senior management has no roots in airline operations and love espousing "Improved Shareholder Value" as their purpose in life. In business, one should know thy product, improve it, then beat the competition.
I have friends at US Air and am sorry for them. Not because they are to blame, but they have bad management. They need leadership!