Well, it is a very frustrating road, but luckily I don't have to drive!!
But I kind of like it because it is interesting. Its got lots of nobbly bits (and tits) that the newer motorways lack. Some parts are 4 lane plus hard shoulder (very wide) especially near Peterborough. Then after that it goes back to a pre-1960's 2 lane dual carriageway. Then you get all the roundabouts from Grantham up to Newark (not quite sure as it is a while since I did the journey). Its amazing. You come straight off a roundabout at one point, and back onto a brand new stretch of 3 lane motorway plus hard shoulder!!
I've never been further north of scotch corner, but I believe the A1 north of Newcastle gets really funny. At several points it reverts to a single carriageway (mostly in Scotland) that goes through villages and stuff just like you would expect a B-Road to. The road of extremes is the A1!!
I guess I have sent everyone to sleep now!!!
I could start talking about the M4, or the M62, but I'll leave that for another day!!