The barred F chord takes a lot of effort and pain to learn, but it's definitely worthwhile. I remember struggling with it and I still cheat if I don't absolutely NEED that low F. Sometimes I'll use the thumb if that's more convenient. The value in learning the F is that you can take it all the way up the neck, giving you more inversions and leading the way to learning even more with other chord formations up the neck. This comes in really handy when you are playing with someone else and don't want to play the exact same thing.

I suggest practicing the F somewhere in the middle of your practice session, after you are warmed up. Work on it until you are nearly frustrated, then go on to something you can do easily and love to play. That way you won't be left with a bad taste in your mouth about the instrument and your ability. Finish on a postive note (so to speak) and hang in there. It will come eventually.

jeffp