Find it odd that people can afford to consider using such a pricey tool in anycase.
Miiiiiiiiiiike .... don't get nasty mate. Whose to know what the truth is entirely anyway. Time distorts.
I wouldn't be surprised that many purchased the #1, on 'advice' from stanley or whoever, who had a formed an opinion on how it may sell......and used it thinking it to be the ideal plane for their use based on that advice alone.
I'd imagine those who could afford to practise using a multitude of planes, including #1,s, found other planes of more use. or easier to use.
I mean, there'd be a lot of possibilities, yes ?....nothing to get nasty about in anycase.