Also, picking up a reserve block can be beneficial if there is a pairing in open time that you want but does not pay well on its own. For example, let's say there's an easy STC 2-day in open time but pays junk (like 7 TFP). Picking up a 2 day block of reserve and then subsequently being awarded that same trip will now pay 13 TFP because reserves get full rigs per pairing. This strategy has a lot of variables and can backfire (like getting extended on the 2nd day) but it has worked for me in the past. I wouldn't do it in the summer.