Also a quick win (ironically), don't use the .io extension unless you're actively targeting the indian ocean territory because Google doesn't include it in it's list of Generic TLDs.
See http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&...
See http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&...
I have .IO domain for more than 2 years. 2 years ago, I remember the country for domain on Google Webmaster Tools has been "locked" to Indian Ocean Territory. But at least for last 6 months, I'm now able to change it to any country or leave it unspecified which indicates that .IO is now treated as generic TLD by google.
The article you have quoted is simply out of date.
I'm not saying it won't happen, but if you're specifically hoping to gain traction via SEO efforts, using a ccTLD that Google hasn't explicitly mentioned as ranking like a normal gLTD I think you're taking a big unnecessary risk.
As you mention, though, ccTLD choice is another story entirely.