So you want to go to Google I/O this year? Last year it sold out in one hour, so you'll want to be prepared. Register for Google Wallet and Google+ before 7AM PDT March 27.
I've enjoyed the 2 times I've went, was a lot of bang for the buck.. But the price this year kinda kills that.
There will be other ways of getting I/O tickets for actual devs. Add Google Developers to your circles to get updates on how and when!
You might also consider going to a Google-Developer-Day instead. All the dev goodness closer to you and less schwag hounds.. 2012 schedule should be announced at some point, here's the highlights from 2011.
I guess, but I have tons of Android questions and would love to attend the actual panels. Also would like to meet some of the shindig googlers that I've had a few occasions to chat with. :)
Now following, looking forward to the other ways you mention :)
Man, I wish I could go. One year I'll find a way to get a trip out there.
Dan Dumont, Mar 23 2012 on 1500wordmtu.com