Republic typically puts you where they need you. If you are interested in a base, tell them. Didn't work for me. I was wanting STL and they put me at S5. IAH may be going away with the CRJs in the next couple years.

As far as travel bennies, yes they apply to the major you are flying for but they vary by base and codeshare.

If you're really, really wanting that base you should probably go with Expressjet. Then again, if you are unwilling to relocate your family this may not be an industry you wish to be in. Bases now mean nothing two years from now.