Friday I rode over to my LBS to ask him to raise my handlebars b/c I was experiencing neck pain due to spending longer periods of time in the drops.

He kindly informed me that my WSD doesn't allow for the "old school" raising of the bars. He put it up on the rack and we had a very long chat about what would be involved, changing the stem out etc etc all to get just a wee tweak of adjustment.

In the end we decided that until my muscles strengthened, I should leave the bike alone and work on my technique; doing all the things you mention - loose elbows, back straight, changing hand positions..

BUT - he also suggesting moving to a harder gear then "instinct" tells me to while riding in that position. He said that it activates lower back mucles and the body is held by it's core more, easing the strain off both saddle and bars and neck. He said it's like riding a bike no hands.

Well I came home, mulled it all over, shoved my saddle back a solid inch and headed out. Low and behold, between moving the saddle, keeping the back flat AND shifting lower - I had significantly less neck pain. I'm optimistic that over the next few weeks I'll strengthen and the pain will decrease even more.

Good luck!