buy a capo.

for me, but yeah the obvious solution is higher on the neck.

Its basic shape is just a power chord played on the A string, second fret. So in theory it shouldn't be any harder than any other basic chord - and since you can move that shape up and down the neck with impertinence, it should in theory be much easier than any of the open chords...

Bflat major is the worst, if we're talking simple chords, un-capo'd and played as low-pitched as possible

i'm cool

at the second fret.

you don't need to play the high F# on the E string - you're already playing an F# on the D string. i play the chord (and all A shape barre chords) by playing the bass note with my index fineger, and barring the D/G/B strings with my little finger, making sure i'm muting the high E string.

^ it's not as hard as that might make it sound.

Are you using all four fingers to play it or do you bar the B, G and D strings with your third finger/pinky? The latter is way more convenient once you get used to it.

really.