I know a few people who has been to the US for more than 10 years without gc.
Story 1.
First 6 years in school, getting PhD. 7-8 years, working as Post Doc. By year 9, all gc materials are prepared but PD started to retro and had to wait till year 10 for the application.
Story 2.
First 2 years in school, getting a master. 3-4 years, first job, filing traditional LC. By the time it was approved, the company went bankruptcy. Went back to school on year 5-6 for a different master degree. Year 7-9, getting a new job, filing LC again (before PERM was introduced). By the time LC and 140 was approved in year 10, the job was outsourced to India. Had to find a new job and do the PERM and 140 all over again.
Story 3, 4, etc...
We need to be more considerate and understanding for these people. Sometimes, it is just pure bad luck.