Hi Stone-hauler…
A lot of players just wear their strap when playing.
An important thought after you balance the guitar evenly for weight is elevating the neck to chin/nose high. This will bring the neck closer to your body and make playing barres (and all other fretting) easier. It also takes pressure off the fretting arm shoulder.
I taught fingerstyle for 40 years, and don't recommend footstools (those focus put pressure on the lower back). A simple lift (like a NeckUP) can also accomplish the same thing as wearing a strap.
Trying to lay the guitar out flat keeps pushing the shoulder away, and makes it harder to see-the-neck/fret-the-instrument.
Google images of Joe Bonamassa, Eddie VanHalen, Larry Carlton, BB King etc while they are playing and the necks/headstocks are by-n-large pointing upward. It's because the fretting mechanics are easier that way.
If you are 6' feet 10" and have massive hands you can get away with the neck lower. If you are average, it's easier just to learn to elevate the headstock/neck, and a strap can do that even when sitting.
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