Chris, the F Barre chord is the most posted about, griped about topic there is from newbies. If you do a search you will probably get about 5700 posts. It just takes time. I know because I just about gave up because of it.

It takes time. It will come. You have to develop the finger strength to be able to form the barre.

A year ago I didn't think I'd ever be able to do it. Now I can form the F barre chord easily. The other thing to remember is that those barre chords at the first fret are about the hardest there are to do. Move up to the 5th fret and form the A chord and you will most likely find it a lot easier.

I don't know that I would try substituting the F7. That's a different chord. Besides, while I can now do the F major with out much difficulty I find the F7 harder and still struggle with it some!