Very correct. Special trains are given the last priority - so they are usually never on time. They are assigned old, spare coaches - so the coach conditions are bad, and many of the fittings - light, etc. will probably not work.
Just understand the logic here - special trains are introduced to tackle seasonal rush to somehow get people from A to B. Without Special trains, many, many people will have to cancel their holiday plans because it is impossible for them visit their friends and relatives because of non-availability of train ticket. The railway lines are already packed with trains. So when they introduce special trains, they "know" that the existing railway tracks are not meant to handle additional regular...
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load - but if these trains are given last priority, then somehow they can make the train reach the destination about 5-6 hours late.
When you buy a special train ticket, think like this - "I am fortunate that somehow I will reach my destination, even upto 12 hours late. I don't expect good food, good coaches, good service. But, it's OK under the circumstances, since in the end I will get to meet my family".
If you don't like special trains, then the best course of action is to postpone your travel plans, sit at home, and enjoy, and wait for a regular train seat to become available.