Does it do any good to reserve a domain name?

This is my situation.

There is a domain I wanted several years ago. It has been used by a well established company. I don't want it for that reason. I just wanted the particular acronym. Something similar to ats.com that stood for "A Tech Site". I see now that the company has shifted it's website to the expanded name. Similar to techsite.com.

The registration for the acronym domain name is set to expire in a few months. I have a feeling that company is not going to renew and I would like the opportunity to pick it up.

At www.netsol.com, I can try to reserve the name. And I've seen a lot of other places that do the same. With the wave of cybersquatters out there, is there a real chance that I could get the name if I reserve it? Or will I just be waving a flag at everyone else that I want it. Causing me to not get it without paying the squatters fees?

My paranoia abounds. I don't feel I'll get a fair shot at it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've considered going straight to the owner and asking them if I could assume ownership with me paying the renewal fees. It might be the best way. However, it might just make them aware of the deadline. And dealing with corporate politics is never a good idea.

I'm not really interested in the domain name if I can't get it at the normal cost.

Experiences and suggestions are needed.