@Av *********
my thai wife got one a couple years ago and didn't need 3 years of taxes, proof of where the little money she had in her bank came from, or a bunch of visits to other countries stamped in her passport. Neither one of us is famous or rich.
I'm not saying it's easy or the things you list don't help, but it is possible without all that. Like another comment says she was able to show that I live here and have no intention of moving back to the states anytime soon. I think that can negate the need for all the other stuff.