So in summary:
Early model H1s (1992 + ) were actually more suited for off road use than their military counterparts during the same period (1984 - 1995)
But, in 1995, the military A2 humvees started adopting many of the mechanical features of the H1s of previous years, while the H1s (1995 + ) coinciding with the newly designed A2, were actually a step backward in terms of design.
Now that I think about it, what's the incentive to purchase or own an early model humvee instead of an early model H1? Is it price?
AM General was smart and used the civilian H1 as a test bed for many of the military upgrades that they wanted to do. The civilian owners were able to beat them as badly as the military GIs, (and I've pictures to prove it).
I think most of the HMMWV owners are more into authentic military vehicles more than anything else.
True story: About three years ago, I was driving back in my white 95 (from a week at AM General in South Bend) and in New York state, noticed a GI hitch hiking. As a vet, there was no way he was not getting a ride, slammed on the brakes, and he got in.
He was a high ranking EM, on his 'terminal leave' before retiring. We talked for a while, then things got quiet (I'm a quiet guy...) I looked over and noticed his eyes seemed to mist over.
I asked "Is there anything wrong?"
His reply said it all: "I never realized how nice these things could be!"
We laughed, parted ways at a point where I knew he'd get a ride to his final destination (Boston) and I headed off to Vermont.
(I always wanted to use that emoticon!)