Unless you play everything in the key of "A", you will almost certainly have to use at least some barre chords at some time. A very useful one is Bm (the Am shape, shifted up two frets; this is common when playing in "G" and "D").

One player I know uses a capo and the "G" chords for everything; it is amusing to watch as a melodeon player says, "This one's in the key of 'E'", and the guitarist puts the capo on the ninth fret.

The straighter a guitar neck, the lower the action can be made, which is why a guitar should never be overstressed with the wrong sort of strings (or too heavy a gauge of the right sort)*. It is possible to lower the action on guitars, but it is a job best left by novices, to professionals.



* I have a Gremlin, which I overstressed; the neck stood up to it, but the cheap plywood sound-board was warped, with the bridge pulled up and forwards; seen sideways on it is almost the shape of an arch-top. It is still playable, and the saddle can be lowered if need be.