I can speak to that a little, I suppose.
When a run is up for reserve when the handle materials/shield combinations haven't been announced, it becomes a gamble. This usually happens with Tidioute and Northfield bone options - I am not sure if GEC just doesn't finalize what their options are going to be until much later (due to surprises in the dyeing/jigging processes?) or if they like to keep us hanging. Personally, I would hate to miss out, especially if it ends up being something that I really favor (like red sawcut or white bone, etc.).
So I usually end up reserving bone options - sometimes, I get Antique Yellow and am disappointed and sometimes, I get pleasantly surprised with Black Plum. In the end, if I really dislike something, I know I can move it along easily enough.
Had I remembered that GEC stopped polishing their Ironwood, I would have passed on the Ironwood #74s but on the flip side, I was able to make someone here very happy by moving it along.