Where did the 1Hz limit come from?
Datasheet of the AD9850 says 0.0291Hz resolution with 125MHz sysclk, (this is normally more than enough).
Dropping sysclk to 20MHz gives you 0.005Hz resolution.
Dividing the output after the comparator might be good to reduce jitter caused by slow transition + noise trough the comparator switch point.
I agree the divider gives you even better frequency resolution, it is just normally not needed.