Flyingpig, that's a very base specific question. Depending on how the staffing is in DFW at the time. In our reserve system, the junior man gets called out first. So if you bid reserve as a newhire you will be used alot, but as you gain seniority you get called less. The reserve list normally has a big jump in seniority between the junior pilots who got stuck with reserve and the senior pilots who bid it purposely. I'm at another base, but I do bid reserve so I can stay home more.
Pros: Last month I flew 14 hours, but get my 75 hours pay guarantee.
I get 11 days off guaranteed but stayed at home 17 days since I wasn't used.
Normally if the company calls it's just to do a turn some where so I get to spend the night at home.

Cons:uncertainty of schedule.
Less pay on reserve compared to holding a line.
Being called out to do a trip, from another base.