st4rguitar - Interesting perspective when you mentioned that your "life is at stake". Frankly, a lot of people view the US as the land of opportunity and the land of easy money. While this may be true at the very beginning one's career , this is not always true in terms of the achieving one's long term career potential. Being in the US, one gives up a lot in order to be here (family, friends etc.) and also a lot in terms of career opportunity - I mean there are tons of places in the world (not to mention one's own country) that one can earn a good living and have a good life and the US is merely one of such places where there is a perception that things are easier.
So, I wouldn't equate getting your green card with one's life. While getting a green card is desirable, its certainly not the end of the world if one fails to obtain a green card. If there are delays, or if your H1 is going to expire, move on.....move back to your country, see what's there for you and if things don't work out back home, there is always a way to move back to the states. It is most certainly not the end of your life. Who knows, one might achieve more monetary and personal success elsewhere (and not in the US). Just my 2 cents.
Chhaya - Now back to the subject of doing a PERM case yourself. It is certainly possible to do a PERM case without an attorney. However, I wouldn't do it as the PERM regulations are voluminous, and if you make it mistake, you basically will cost yourself valuable time. Again, just my 2 cents. If you need a affordable attorney, let me know and I can recommend you someone.