FWIW, I'm an ATL MD88 FO. They use me almost everyday on reserve. Unlike the regionals, however, the process to how they assign trips and use you is quite transparent. There isn't any junior high buddy/buddy with the schedulers to get a better QOL than the other guy. That's not to say that you can't call scheduling to help you out (they've helped me out a number of times). Examples: changing short call time periods, offering earlier trips if you make yourself available allowing easier commutes home, putting you first in line while on short call if you are sitting short call at the airport (vs having to sit at the hotel), flexible positioning of FX days, etc...

I average just over 1 day a month on long call (at home) - that they don't use me. Average 2 short calls a month. 82 hours a month pay. I commute so it is to my advantage to get used vs. having to sit short call so I yellow slip a lot of things that I might not otherwise have to fly. This is important to note in the event you live in base. Your QOL might be great sitting short call living in base, but as a commuter I'd view sitting short calls as a poor QOL.

To sum things up from my point of view, on the 88 you are going to get used a lot. You do have the ability to "see it coming" though and request the best trip for you via the computer. Overall, I think that commuting to reserve at Delta (I'm domestic with a lot of flights and the ability to drive if need be) is easier than reserve in base at my old company. Just my opinion.