I made my first corned beef about a month ago. It was very salty, like you said. It was good, and it made terrific Reuben sandwiches the next day, but I probably won't bother with it again. I didn't even make cabbage with it and it stunk up the entire house for 2 days.
I always buy the 33% lower sodium corned beef. Then I rinse it well before simmering it. It comes out great that way.
Maybe I will try this. I cooked mine in the crockpot all day in beer, but I didn't rinse it and I think I added the extra packet of spices. I liked it on Reubens a lot more than fresh. They were fantastic!
If I try it again. I will wash it off, maybe that will cut down on the saltiness sp?