I'm confused as to why the FAA or the airlines would ascribe a staffing related delay to weather or mechanical issues as many of the posts on this thread indicate is happening.

It seems to me that the government would want people to know how much of the delay is due to staffing. It reinforces their position that there isn't any significant "pork" in their budget.

Not trying to judge the political reality of cuts, just wondering why they might not be described correctly.