Huh?

Notorious? Not that I've heard or experienced...
Every Honda I own/owned never had a problem with AC.

Actually, I had my DX compressor custom bolted to the B-series AC bracket for like 5 years with my swap. My car has been thru hell, and if any AC compressor should've stopped working it was mine.
Run off the road, hydrolocked engine, turbo kit, etc.
I only ever had a problem with a leak on the high pressure line, never with the compressor.

Usually if the compressor is not engaging, it means the system is low on refrigerant...