Still better than it used to be as it was mandatory in domestic categories starting at 3am on the first day back... And it was 24 hours long.

My guess is that they are doing it on the first day back because that is when you have your maximum availability. Remember, pretty soon SC will be somewhat seniority based which will give you control over this.

Those of you fretting over seniority in reserve assignments wrt the senior guys not flying, I wouldn't count on that. Many commuters like myself would YS a trip to avoid SC or just to have a known commute... Or in an attempt to fill up which means the more junior pilot may be the one not flying.