How do you tell if your reed is unresponsive or responsive?
The degree of response a reed has is an intrinsic element of each individual piece or cane. Identify this characteristic early in your process by having a proper tip bevel and using the F#3 indicator test. Rolling out the embouchure ever so slightly in pp/ppp allows you to extend the taper even further, as successful dynamic taper combines flexibility of embouchure and of the reed.
MOST REEDS TO NOT RESPOND WELL. It is too easy to sacrifice intonation, strength and resonance in the (futile) search for perfect response on the majority of reeds. Maintain good practice habits and measure your reeds against a constant (normal embouchure and air expectations). Know when you have reached the optimal balance of all factors and therefore when to stop scraping, as the reed has reached its particular potential.