Laid off. Odd case -- pls help.

[oddcase]

Just got laid off last week. Was on H1. Some background:
- Did Bachelors in US, worked for 2.5 yrs on H1.
- Quit work, did MBA in US. Worked for 1.5 yrs on H1 and now got laid off.

Thinking of doing PhD here (shift to academics for good) but deadlines for Fall '09 have passed. Will be applying for Fall '10.

A company has offered to do GC under future employment category (for some $). Says that it has done it in the past. Says no need for me to be on H1 or even work for them.

My (many) qs for anybody who can help:

1. Which category to file under -- EB2 or EB3? They say EB2 is getting scrutinized a lot.

2. Is it possible to file under EB3 then shift to EB2 later?

3. How likely is it that it'll get approved under EB2? under EB3?

4. Plan to go back to home country soon. Will be applying for F1 next year to come back for PhD. The F1 visa application asks if anybody has filed for your permanent residence in the past. Would getting an F1 be a problem?

5. PhD would take around 4 yrs. What would I have to do once I get the degree?

6. What could go wrong in this? What should I watch out for?

Pls help. Pls let me know if more info is needed.

Thanks a lot...