I think that this statement: . It is not clear from this study how the post-seismic deformation loads the surrounding faults or alters the state of stress on those faults.” refers to a broad area change in stress patterns - like when Landers occurred it raised the stress over in the Hector area - Now with Hector the stress is on towards Coso area -

It just seems very logical to me - Even though you are moving the ground in a quake, a move of something like 17 feet HAS to have an effect on the surrounding region. Increasing stress in one area and relieving it in another. And thus pointing towards the next possible significant quake in the area.

Canie