I did have a thought/observation to make. Barre chords don't have to be help perfectly vertical on the fret board. I don't know if this is what many just starting in the barre shape but I've noted a few people I've shown barres too that try to get the index finger to stand perfectly at attention. I've seen may guitar players that hold the barre and the index may have a slight bend to it. A good example that got me thinking again was watching one of Chris's Joe Pass style vid and noted that his barre is pretty curved.

Thought I'd mention it.