getting out of the friend zone is like climbing mt. everest indeed. but it sounds to me like you have first an inner game problem. you're not sure of your direct game. well, firstly and foremost get sure. are you an AFC? probably. so am i. do you want to change that? absolutely. how do we do that? crash and burn. a lot.
reset it in your mind that those possible IOI's you mentioned are definately IOI's. you said she might be interested? get it in your head that she IS. you think you might scare her off? ok, so? what if you do? you're no worse off than you are now, because right now you're not getting anything from her. if you scare her off you...aren't getting anything from her. so take the chance, find a good firm grip on your cojones, and make a move. but be sure about the move. don't hessitate. don't get caught up in your own insecurity. i'll refer you to the 3 second rule. my suggestion is next time you see her, walk right up to her look her in the eyes, cock your head to one side and kiss her. and not like a friend peck. be sure about it. show her you're sure and confidant and she'll be yours. when you're done kissing her, don't talk about it. pretend it never happened. get into the conversation your friends are having. shake up her usual perspective of "my friend DLG" into something unexpected. she'll be so busy wondering what's going on and off balance and focused on you that you have all kinds of open opportunity. and remember you're the prize. it's a priveledge for her to have your attention.