Alright here it goes. If you have any questions about reserve feel free to ask it here.

Tips from my many years of flying reserve.

-If you are on a RAP, Ready Reserve, or reserve day without an assignment then you should return all voice mails that reference some sort of assignment. (I know many won't agree and it may not be contractual but the union is pretty inept at reserve issues. )
-play along to get along. (If you get on their naughty list then they will make your life miserable. If you are a commuter and/or junior then CS can make your life miserable. As long as they are appropriately staffed getting out early is pretty easy. All bets are off when staffing levels drop.
-never say you won't do an assignment. Phrase it I don't think that's legal. I don't think that's contractual. "I dont mind doing it but I don't think I legally can do it."
-pick your battles. Sometimes it's just not worth it. But sometimes it is.
-you are never "sticking it to the company" when you get out of an assignment due to a technicality. You are sticking it to the guy senior to you.
-CS that have been there the longest are more likely to let you go early. The new ones don't want to risk it even if there is no conceivable way they are going to use you.
-If you are going to NOT confirm your trip then you better answer your phone when they call at midnight.
-If you are sitting ready reserve and you want to leave early because all the flights are out CALL TO GET RELEASED. They will let you go once all the planes are OFF. Don't just leave because MESA may cancel and they recrew it with and Envoy crew. I have heard it has happen to someone and they got a career decision day(really bad) from it.
-Once you finish IOE then call CS. Ask them what your assignment is and when you start.
-MOST people don't know how reserve works and they will give you bad advice.
-Pilots on probation should fly under the radar and not rock the boat.

Good luck.