From mountain biking I learned to scoot my rear way back on (or even off of) my saddle. It's not particularly aerodynamic or otherwise technically sound but it lowers my center of gravity enough to feel like I can stop riding my brakes all the time. It's saved me from flipping over many times on my mountain bike and I feel like I'm more ready to react if I start to skid out on my road bike. I go slow when it's wet, muddy or if the road is covered in gravel. +1 on braking before the turn, it's too late to scrub speed once you're in the turn.

Congrats on your improved climbing skills- I'm still working on that part!