When I did my surg sub-I last year, I actually found it in more difficult than third year for reasons that surprised me. Mainly, I struggled with what you guys seem to be struggling with, the lack of clear guidelines and role. Here are my thoughts, which are clearly opinions only.
1. The surgical experience will vary; in general I tended to be human retractor more than active participant, but I did get to help the chiefs/R3s open and close the big cases while the attending was doing something else. Don't forget, that next year as an intern, you won't get anywhere near those big cases, so enjoy it and soak up as much as you can, even as a passive observer. Also, the downside of doing a sub-I early in the year is that residents are less comfortable with their roles and more likely to be controlling/selfish with the opportunities.
2. As a current intern, my feeling about my sub-I is that while they should be willing to help out in whatever way possible while they are available, they should not miss chances to go to the OR to help me with the scut I do on the floor. I wouldn't be happy if they were chilling in the lounge while I'm writing TPN, but I would never dream of taking them away from scrubbing on a big, fun case.
3. The issue of call: I would follow your seniors' directions. If they say you needn't take call, I wouldn't, because taking call will take decrease your ability of being sharp and impressive infront of attendings, which should be your major goal of your sub I (not gunner, but interested and active). On the other hand, if you are told to take call, ask the intern if you can help out and "practice" being the intern. I had my sub-I go evaluate a patient before I came to the floor to see them (if you ever have this happen and the patient is unstable/a lot sicker than it seemed by the nurse's call, page the person above you immediately).
One of the most important things about being a sub-I is working to project the kind of person you would be as a resident: hard working, dedicated, meticulous, cheerful, etc etc etc. You want your team to like you, and your attendings to want you for their program next year. And it's a relatively short, very intense experience; I would come in before the intern and close the late case with the chief, take trauma call and stay the next day, etc. I was pretty sure I was in house more than the residents I was working with (they were tight with the hours requirements) but never ever ever complain. Just sleep when the rotation is over.
