Re a personal pad on V1 .. not at all uncommon. Indeed, in the analysis of the mishap in the earlier link (megan #84), the operator had a definite policy to shade the call below V1 ..
Another caveat to keep in mind. If the takeoff is at very low weight with a minimum speed schedule (ie looking at the Vmcg-limited V1 situation or even a bit higher with a strong crosswind (as it turns out on the day .. from the wrong side), choosing to use a lower than scheduled V1 just might see the aeroplane out of control for the critical OEI failure and very smartly off into the grass. In general, a real-world-Vmcg-on-the-day directional departure is sufficiently rapid to bring tears to the eyes ..
There are strategies available to minimise this sort of risk but, however you might choose to approach the problem, one should be aware of it at the very least and not needlessly expose the operation to the risk.