I got some instruction from a rider much better than myself and it made all the difference in the world. I stopped using the brakes just to slow and was using them to set the suspension going into the turn as well while maintaining some light throttle. Night and day difference with the way the bike feels. Much more confident.
My little chicken strips are now completely gone.

Now the bad part. I knew my 'hawk was thirsty, but 31mpg is quite extreme! Good thing there's a gas station at both ends.