I have gotten two O1's and then the greencard version (EB2). It isn't easy in the "not a lot of work" sense, it's easy in the "not random" sense. If you put in the work (that also helps your career), tick off the required boxes, and present the evidence correctly, you will get the visa.
Hi, huge Swizec fan here. I've been following your extraordinary-ability story since 2016. It's an amazing, inspirational, funny saga about the work and perseverance required to get this done. Hope it's OK to share these here:
But yes an O1 takes a shitload of work.