I hate-watched the first season just because I love Jared Harris and Lee Pace, held off on S2 but actually enjoyed it a lot more than the first one when I got around to it.
I think I enjoyed season 2 in part because I didn't have any expectations that it would be a faithful adaptation. I just enjoyed it for what it was. I think if I rewatched season 1 with the same attitude I'd probably like it more. It's a really solid SciFi show if you can just view it as its own thing and not constantly compare it to the books.
I watched season 1 with interest, but by the time I got an episode or two into season 2, I just couldn't muster the interest. Sounds like I should give it another try…