Indeed - once one of the first-class sections of each 166 were declassified, that's where those of us who were savvy North Downs commuters went for a much more comfortable ride from Reading to Guilford! Even better was a period when many trains were entirely declassified, so even the first class end of a 165 was available.

 

This was a refurbished one - oh....and I forgot, the "accessible loo" was out of order. I did notice that the other "1st Class" bit was full of railway workers in their orange coats - which was why I tried the other end.

 
Many of the end sections of 165/166 stock still contain the former first class sections as used in the Thames Valley. They have undergone very little modification apart from re-trimming and removal of the reading lights! A few still display first class signs.

On BRI - WEY direct services there are no first class fares anyway and probably not on GWR PMH-CDF services. More people are recognising the extra comfort available but always worth a try to bag such a better seat.   

 
I travelled from Fareham back to Warminster yesterday afternoon. The train looked about a third full overall. I went into the very rear of the train where there were four nice large tables with 2 + 2 seating - completely empty. At Southampton 3 men got in and started to settle down when one of them commented - "isn't this 1st class" ? After a bit of discussion about lack of signs, etc, they stayed put. As soon as the train moved away, the guard appeared from the rear cab - they asked him if they were in 1st Class - he confirmed they weren't.

It doesn't say a great deal about the generally perceived quality of the rolling stock on this line when half decent 2 + 2 seating with tables is now often mistaken for 1st Class.   "Let them eat cake !"

PS:  I was really impressed with the electric buses running down the old railway line to Gosport ! Comfy seats too.