Seemed to work? I'm guessing your second idea is the actual solution. They can turn-around schedule change requests quickly when all they have to do is hit the "DISAPPROVED - Insufficient Reserves" button! In addition to a "swap with open time" option they should have a "I Guess I'll have to call in sick because I have no other viable scheduling tools" option?

Is this outfit every going to man the airline properly!*? "Might" be good news for the poolies?