I have the option to book standby flights for very cheap through a friend using ZED.
I however have a hard time understanding how to book to make sure I don't get bumped for days.

Let's say NYC - Vegas has 2 direct flights,
And NYC - DFW - Vegas has 8 flights a day.
Would it be better to book direct with 1 chance of getting bumped OR
Book with more legs and if bumped, more changes to catch the next flight?

Hope I make sense.

Thanks for your help!