I was over at the Schuyler service area today (the "level 1" service area). It's interesting. The bathrooms are the same size as the base "level 2" service areas (the small ones), but aren't split, so all six stalls are in the same place. There's also plenty of seating (relative to its size), which is again interesting because the convenience store has no true food items (not even subs/pizza/hot dogs like they do at the other service areas) and Dunkin doesn't have much in the way of food either. Basically, it's a good place for a bathroom break, since the lack of food options keeps it lightly patronized while the bathrooms are the same size as at the next size up service area (and much better laid out).
Interesting. I'm still really curious about the data that was used to determine which areas got which level service area (guide
here for reference). Schuyler is one that makes sense, since Iroquois is only 17 miles away (quite close by Thruway standards) and some of the Mohawk Valley ones in general I'd expect to be more lightly used.
But I can't figure out any rhyme or reason to the levels between Rochester and Utica, especially WB. Chittenango, the only WB area between Utica and Syracuse, is only a level 2, and therefore Warners is the only service area above a level 2 between Rochester and Utica. You'd think anyone coming to/from the Syracuse area would be more likely to stop at Junius Ponds or Seneca, yet those are both only level 2. EB makes a little more sense with Clifton Springs being level 3 and Oneida being level 2A, but then after Oneida there's nothing above a level 2 until Albany; it seems like either Mohawk or Guilderland (or maybe both) should be level 2A.
I've been perusing the Google reviews on the areas that have reopened, and the difference in level 2 reviews vs. level 2A/2B/3 reviews is
vast. The small ones are really not well liked, with reviews taking a big downturn after the reopenings, while the larger ones have been mixed but more positive overall. Junius Ponds and Chittenango in particular seem to be despised - but there again, Warners is the only 2A between Utica and Rochester and it's currently closed, so with those two being as small as they are, there's going to be some overcrowding issues until Warners reopens.