Disease, parasitic infestation, insanity?

[Halaster Blackcloak]

Has anyone else ever used those charts from the 1E DMG? The ones detailing diseases, parasitic infestations, and insanity? We've used them before, although few players really cared for it. Diseases and infestations by parasites is a real PITA, plus it becomes nearly meaningless once the cleric can use cure disease (or with a paladin on the team). Insanity is worse, because the DM generally takes over the character's behavior.

Has anyone ever used these in a fun way and had it work?