I am basically just tossing stuff out there, and some of it might hopefully be useful.
I agree with most of what you say, but do have in mind that in a blowout you are effectively playing a quarter with just 7 guys. It takes very little to get to the point where the coach starts doing funny stuff, so essentially the reserve assignment becomes moot.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."