When you are perceived to be a rock star, people are willing to accommodate even seemingly non-sensical requests. Google wants a 3.75+ GPA, thats what they get. Google wants XYZ cert, thats what they get. Google take 5 months to hire you, so be it. It may piss people off individually, but as long as there is a steady stream of applicants, it doesn't immediately impact Google.
Of course the more truly talented, qualified people they dick around with and piss off, the more their reputation begins to slide from 'the best' to 'eccentric' to 'ridiculous'. I think Google is now experiencing some repurcussions that to them seems like a 'talent war'.
I worked there a bit over two years.
(Note: I didn't hit it exactly; it was a while ago but I think I recall I ended up at 3.139.)
I think the GPA thing at Google is just stupidly silly. I've accomplished quite a bit in my career. Thankfully I don't really need Google, but it does drive me nuts that there is a place that I can't work:)
GPA is only useful as a filter for people just out of college. If you've been in the work force for a while, there are better measures available.
My suggestion would be that if you want to join Google then just send them your resume. Let them decide whether or not they want you rather than deciding that for them.
A few years ago Google required a 3.75 or higher college GPA. That is an amazing GPA for the college I went to, so I've never applied. I wonder if they have relaxed that criteria.