Originally Posted by ThumbsUp

Similar to what Larry said:
1. No one knows.
2. EWR should be the easiest commute, particularly given that you have multiple airport options in the NY area.
3. I ditched a crashpad after a few months and just went with hotels. There are many options, some better than others and they are covered ad nauseum in other other topics.
4. Hard to gauge as flying is not yet quite normal, but explaining reserve at United is impossible until you've seen it. Under normal circumstances, you'll get used during your blocks for something. The best way to control your fate is to pick up a trip/SC/FSB if your commute is hard or prefer having more of a say in your schedule. If the commute is super easy, though, you may not care and just go up when they give you something.
5. If you have lots of flights scattered throughout the day and have no problems getting on them due to seniority, you should have no problems sitting LC from home.