Here's a wacky idea:

How about an unpaid deadhead to start your trip which arrives just prior to check-in? And "just prior to checkin" means you dont have to take the 5am departure to get to Atlanta for a 4pm check-in. This deadhead would be included in duty time. Even a guaranteed cockpit or flight attendant jumpseat would be ok. This really wouldnt cost much more than the seat youre taking up. And either way, youre going to be taking up a seat for your commute.