choxy -

What you have heard so far is right on target. If you still have the time, you can reattempt OCC. I was in a different scenario than you - but the jist of the lesson learned is the same - I was rejected 7 times before I finally made it.
As far as the Reserve thing - UAL had it right - you won't be getting on with one of the Marine Reserve Hornet squadrons without first having been a Marine pilot. They don't operate like the AF Guard or Reserve.
As the Commandant said - there are 2 types of Marines right now - Marines that have been to the fight and Marines that are getting ready to go to the fight - including the reseves. So as Crowbar said too - expect a deployment if you join (it is certainly the safer bet)

Good luck in making the choice that best fits what you want to do with your life.

USMCFLYR