My name might be stupid, But I am not - ;)
rajan101 is right. Ny2 might have incomplete knowledge and it is dangerous.
There are some Categories that doesn't require PERM or 1st step of green card process through employment.

Back to Fuchhey :
There is no co-relation between your status and greencard process. People often forget the main 1st rule of greencard process through employement - "IT IS FOR FUTURE EMPLOYEMNET".
As long as you are in valid status (if inside USA) and you qualify for the category, you can file the GC. Your F1 status has nothing to do with GC process.
I don't have any experience with NIW, But an experienced lawyer should be able to tell you which category might be better for you.
However, One thing is clear with my past experience, You don't want to wait for GC process. the earlier you file, it is better.
About your h1 pending, don't worry. I have seen cases where H1b was pending for over year. I didn't get my h1 until end of April of next year.