“He has now lifted his recount order, but without ruling on the original merits.”
I think he actually did rule on the merits as well. He was especially angered by the Stein lawyers additional filing that the conduct of the State of Mi and the MI GOP in trying to stop the recount amounted to reason that the recount should be allowed; as if they had no right to challenge her.
The judge did not like that approach at all, basically saying that they were changing their original argument when they realized it pass muster.
The Michigan elections board has ordered an immediate halt to the presidential recount if a federal judge lifts his previous order that the recount occur.
The Board of State Canvassers issued the instruction Wednesday in a 3-1 vote. The move is intended as a way to quickly stop the recount if the judge rules before the board meets again Thursday morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtGxusvUT3k