I don't think it is the forend that is the problem. However, we need to clear up what each of us considers to be the forend:
I call the forend: The actual grip that you hold when racking the slide.
Some call the forend: The slide tube assembly that actually is part of the mechanical process within the receiver.
If it is difficult to rack the slide, I think your slide tube assembly may need to be polished or fitted to properly fit the channels machined within the receiver. Just my $0.02