Did you ever try using straps? I’m very mobile – was able to front rack on my first ever try – so unfortunately cannot offer much advice. I’ve only a couple times tried the cross arm grip, and I think it would seriously limit the amount of weight I could support.
I’ve not watched it, but I think JTS has good content, so maybe worth a shot if you genuinely want to achieve the front rack:
Ugh, it’s been way, way, way too long since I’ve taken time off let alone gone anywhere. Thank you. Unfortunately I still have 2.5 weeks to go…