Reserve depends heavily on your attitude and expectations. While it's not great, especially when you're the plug, to me it beats being a Jr line holder. Of course, since I live in domicile I can understand a commuter needing a line.

Having any sort of semblance of seniority on reserve, many months I could work from 10-40hrs, have a TAFB <150hrs, and credit 76hrs. Most callouts being locals and 2days. I would also often pick up from open time a local or two and credit 86-90 hrs. Maybe sleep in a hotel 4 nights the whole month, be home about 20 days in the month. This being high 80% low 90% seniority in base. Or I could be a lineholder and get four 4day trips over the weekend for 76hrs of pay. Or credit 90hrs with 6 consecutive day work blocks and 10 days off.

I personally avoid reserve in the summer because I know I will be utilized. But most spring/fall/winter months when staffing is better, reserve gives me a much better QOL, and sometimes equal or better pay.