Your explanations (both of you) make sense.
Now one has to wonder why a Fed district judge felt compelled not to follow MI law in terms of when the recount would begin. That seems such a petty issue to rule on while saying that you could be over-ruled altogether if the MI court finds the recount should not even go forward.
The Michigan AG (or someone else representing the state in that role) testified in the hearing, and said he could not guarantee that a recount started on Wednesday would be complete by December 13th when the Federal requirement for a certified electoral vote had to be met. So the judge basically said: "OK -- then start the count Monday (today) just to get a head start on it in case the State of Michigan authorizes the recount on its own."
My understanding is that the State of Michigan can still decide not to pursue the recount, in which case the Federal ruling is null and void and any "recount" started today is irrelevant.
Any legal input from Freepers here would be welcome.