before ac21(2000-2001?), all h-1 use quote, even academic.
suppose you apply h1 that year, you use quota already.

now lots if people said that if you have an industry h1,then ->h4/f1->h1 again, won't occupy quota coz u occupied it once already and hasn't use it up.

I have seen two ID from huaren and mitbbs said they did so.
They apply an dwait for approve, and it is approved while there are no quota.
zhang lawyer at Houston also said so at their websites.
Fanlaw said no, but looks like he said once yes to someone.
need more info to confirm.