I have a friend. He is Mexican. THis is his situation.
He:
1) Entered illegally in 2001, never got caught at the border. Simply jumped the fence and walked right into Texas.
2) Married a US Citizen in 2006
3) They have no kids at all
4) He works with a false SS# (not another person's SS#, simply a made-up SS#) but pays his taxes jointly w/ his wife. He pays taxes with ITIN #.
5) Never been in any trouble (not even a speeding ticket)
They both know that he will have to return to Mexico, probably by the end of this year, to have the interview in the Embassy.
As far as extreme difficulty on his wife's part should he be barred for 10 years, well, like I said, they have no kids. However, she needs to be looking out for her parents because her mom has been in the Mayo Clinic with fighting cancer. Father has serious heart problems.
I have seen cases like this (when the couple has no kids and no extreme difficulties) be approved in the Embassy.
What do you think his probabilities are of getting the 10 year bar waived?

