EB-5 for Indians has a 3+ yr timeline now and you have to shell out at least $500k. And there is no guarantee you will get approved.

Even O-1 seems like it could be a good possibility (I wrote a reference letter for a colleague seeking the O-1 via a few years ago, and I only had to describe his work as open source project lead).

You mean EB-1. The O-1 is a temporary visa. Approvals of EB-1 are unfortunately highly subjective. It's like winning a lottery (based on who looks at your application).

O-1 is extensible, isn't it? You can get it first instead of H-1B, and then apply for a green card once you move to the US.

Yes, it can be extended any number of times. But each and every O-1 approval is also highly subjective and discretionary.

The standard is somewhat lower than EB-1. While EB-1 requires what Congress calls "extraordinary ability", the O-1 requires "exceptional ability".

Again, the way things work is that whichever officer looks at the case, subjectively decides if it qualifies (in his/her opinion).

Nothing like the highly-objective points-based skilled immigration system you have in some countries.

Equality under the law and all really goes out the window with this thinking.