Inyo NF doesn't update the website very often, weekly at best. To get an advance reservation, you have to telephone them and ask if there is anything available -- as often as you can!
However, most people with reservations do not bother to phone in and release the spots. They just wind up as no-shows on the check-in day (the day before their hike).
I once suggested to Inyo that they offer a partial refund to those releasing at least two weeks in advance, but was told that paying out money was very difficult.
I think you are practically assured of getting whatever permits you need just by doing the walk-in at the 11 AM time the day before you want to hike as long as you go for a week-day. (Some are released earlier in the morning as people checking in release unused slots).
If it is any consolation, Inyo tells me when they get their on-line electronic reservation system running, they will give priority to repeat applicants who got nothing in the prior year(s), and lower priority to repeaters who already got permits. Seems like a good idea to me seeing all the people with amazing success rates.
