Did you change the position of the outer limit screw, or cable tension adjuster? (if you have one).

From your description, it seems that the lever is fighting against the limit screw, and you need to back off the limit or cable tension adjustment. Which really depends on what other problems there are. If it shifts, but just needs too much tension, it's more a cable issue, if it's sluggish to shift, it;s more likely the limit is keeping it from moving out enough. Since it's easier, I'd try the limit screw first, & back it off by degrees, and see if things improve.

Other possibilities are that the entire FD is out of position and/or the cage isn't parallel to the chainrings.

BTW- on non-index front derailleurs cable tension doesn't matter as long is it's close enough for the FD to function within the travel of the shifter, but index fronts should have an adjuster like the RD. If yours doesn't consider buying an inline adjuster to make fine-tuning easier. It shouldn't take an hour to set up a front derailleur, never mind nine. If you need a review try the park tool site for a decent tutorial.