Dec, 2002 - submit application through my lawyer (strong references letters from big-shots in the field, including one member of U.S academic science; but only 2 papers actually published).
long waiting ...
Nov 2003, received RFE asking to demonstrate "exceptional" ability after acknowledging the scope is indeed national.
depressed ...
collect two more strong referenec letters and show 4 new publications coming out during the year 2003.
Feb 2004, approved.