The way it was explained to me, by a guy who flies mode 1, is that
it was easier to transition to, from the older radios that had switches
instead of gimbals with proportional controls in the plane.

Lots of mode 1 flyers at my club, too. So many that, when I made my
re-entry a couple weeks ago, there were four guys there and not
one of them could buddy box with me because I was the only one flying mode 2.
Good thing it all came rushing back, I guess I was *not* leaving without flying.