Rico-
This is a situation where I have to agree with you.
I think Ornstein is talking about contingency plans in the event that US Airways Group liquidates, and their ability to redeploy assets (possibly in conjunction with America West or United) to establish a hub at CLT to replace US's operation; it's also possible that they might deploy RJ's in certain other markets from PHL, PIT, or BOS which would be unserved in US Airways' absence. If America West were involved, you might see Texas Pacific Group help finance the acquisition of certain assets. Perhaps this is USA320's UCT/ICT?
To me, the explanation for J.O.'s comments most logically seems to have two purposes -- first, to reassure investors that Mesa has a contingency plan in case US goes Chapter 7; and second, to send a message to US Airways Group that threatening to liquidate unless Mesa does like AWAC still isn't going to get them to drop $125 million into the company.
It's possible, though, that Mesa could make good on this threat even with US Airways still operating. I suspect that the leases on most or all gates on the D and E Concourses at CLT are not exclusive-use given that DOT has frowned upon those arrangements in recent years. Consequently, it's plausible that Mesa could indeed start its own operation at CLT in competition with US -- and that would probably hurt US as much or more than it would hurt Mesa.