Patti has decreased the time for which saved games expire over the years, hence, the difference in some information you read in old threads. As far as I know, AllenM has instructed you properly for current expired time.

It is well advised to check repbot information before playing anyone. If it is a new player, you are taking your chances even with repbot help.
Checking saved games is also a plus, but as you point out, being a newbie, you have not gained the insight on how to avoid droppers, so if you "show saved" on a player with low experience, then that information may not help a lot.
The most I can say to you is keep checking and keep playing until you know your players and who will not drop you.

I'm not familiar with WiFi so I don't know if you have a function to mark your friends (which you should do every time you play someone who finishes a match especially if they are losing).

If you don't have a friends function, then making a manual list might help.

Good luck to you and welcome to Fibs!

socksey
A joy that's shared is a joy made double. - English Proverb