I spent two years living in the ALB area and commuting to EWR. I agree with the driving thing. Occasionally I would jumpseat, but mostly I would drive. It is a bit far to do short call reserve and occasionally there can be traffic issues.

Here is my suggestion if you are really worried about reserve - do the crashpad thing while on reserve and still do the drive. You may spend a few nights away from home while on reserve, but you will still only be a 2:30 drive from home and you will not have the stress of trying to beg a jumpseat ride. When you get off reserve, ditch the pad.