People have done it before on a WT visa. I'm not sure that the INS would treat you kindly if they found out was was going on though.
Other than I'm not aware of any good options unless you have a company to back you (L1/H1B), serious money (7 figures), family in the US (7+ year queue), or a Nobel prize (not kidding - take a look at the 'alien of extraordinary ability' visa).
It's not as difficult as one might think to get a O-1 visa or EB-1 green card. Lack of a Nobel prize does not preclude one from successfully obtaining these visas, although having one probably increases one's chances.
Other than I'm not aware of any good options unless you have a company to back you (L1/H1B), serious money (7 figures), family in the US (7+ year queue), or a Nobel prize (not kidding - take a look at the 'alien of extraordinary ability' visa).