Used to love this game but hated PR 2 and PR 3. Does anyone still play PR1?

YES! Had a look at PR 2 and decided that one was not for me so the first game it is :-) but I only play it like once every three years or so.

What does the third game bring that the first does not already have?

Seems to have a lot of annoying extra complications. I bought it but couldn't play it for more than 30 minutes.
Might be fun for us to try and have an online game of PR1

I am too slow to play against others, also game and me not in the same place now and will not be for some weeks (non-GOG copy).

so it looks like I am still the only person who wants to play this game!

Arrrr :-(

I thought one of the best parts of PR2 was getting rid of multiplayer. And I originally bought PR specifically because it supported multi.

There is just too much of the game that has to be done paused.

I only like multiplayer games which is why I didn't get far with PR2. I don't remember pausing in PR1 and you had to be quick with battles in case your opponent realised what was happening and moved to the battle to get you at the end

I'm playing it. It is like playing Civ I in that I look at the clock and it is 2am and I have been playing for hours.

I do and I love it. I wish they would bring out Pirate Hunter as well.

open a new thread in here, and will try to help you as best as I can ;)
Also try to put in as much info as possible ;)
And check already this one:
https://www.gog.com/forum/port_royale_series/pr_2_still_wont_load_at_all_like_many_people_here