The reserve multiplier has nothing to do with swaps drops or trades. It is one part of the formula that determines the actual reserves required on a daily basis. If the company sets the multiplier higher then the reserves required number will be higher. The same rules for swaps and drops will apply. It can be a value up to 1.5 at the companies discretion. Usually its set to 1.5 in holiday periods when sick calls are higher.
One last point that is often confusing. The reserves required numbers have nothing to do with the manning required. A category can show short on reserves required for months and it does not mean it is below the manning formula. The reserve required number is a artificial value created only to goven swaps and drops.