Rather late to this party but this is the thread I came across when looking for the easy way to remove the front panel.
You don't have to pull hard at all - in fact that might break off the tabs.
After removing both side panels, you will see vertical tabs just inside the front of the case on either side of the HDD cages that clip the front panel in place. There are three on each side.
Gently pull the tab towards the outside of the case while pushing forward slightly - this will dislodge it. After doing all six, the front will pop right off with no force required.
Only restriction is the wiring for the reset button which will tether the panel to the rest of the case somewhat, but there wasn't an issue with clearance to get to the fan or blow off the filter screen.