The danger of flipping over from applying the front brake too hard is real but small. Two things cause it: applying the brake too hard and not bracing your arms with bent elbows. Practice braking with your front brake. Roll at a moderate pace and then brake gently with your front brake. Then do the same, but brake a little harder. Then again and a little harder. You do not have to practice at full braking to get the skill you need.

Now understand that by not using the front brake (adequately), you are robbing yourself of maximum braking power. This can be a very bad thing in an emergency. So build your skill with your front brake as much as possible. Practice so you can be ready for the unexpected.

Skidding the rear wheel reduces your control, and it is not a fast way to stop.

So clearly, I'm a front brake advocate. In fact, I rarely use my rear brake at all.