The only reason i see for providing HA1 is to help senior railways officials and Politicians Travel... isliye adha coach de diya hai railway ne :)
I have also travelled in 1AC but only when i didnt have any options... and there has been 2 instances way back in 2010 when my 2AC ticket was upgraded to 1AC in August Kranti (BRC-NZM) :) But never loved travelling in 1AC.. ghutan sa lagta hai.. AC class best i like 2AC nahi to on the gate of SL Class is simply awesome