Originally Posted by Crazy Canuck

You also have to learn how the PBS system works. There are some preferences that you put in there that seem to be "hard" preferences (for example, avoid landing at XYZ: This will eliminate ALL trips in that layer where there are any landings at XYZ in that trip). Others seem to be "soft" preferences, such as "max weekend days off." From what little I know, it seems like bidding that is like telling the PBS system "if you have the choice between two trips, give me the trip that gives me the most weekend days off."

First determine what you want to do with your bid. Do you want to hold commutable trips? Do you want to bid for credit? Do you want to bid specific overnights? etc.
Second, figure out how to do it. Talk to other crews, use SAPA forums, and call the PBS helpline.

The PBS helpline is most helpful when you have a specific issue. For example, I was putting in a parameter the other day in layer 5 or 6 that appeared to screw up everything else in my bid. I didn't get it so I called the PBS helpline and they explained it to me.