Do it. I think solving number 1 may be all you need, to just hang throughout the race.
For context: my first 3 races, I was off the back by mid-race. By the end of the summer race series I was winning enough to cat up to cat 4 and then cat 3.
Don’t underestimate the energy cost of repeated braking.
Solving number 2 will help a lot too, but may not be completely necessary if you just learn to bend your elbows.
Don’t try to hold wheels. Other people surge too much.
Hold position mid-pack, get a bit lower, and don’t brake.