[Big hammer]

Well I am glad gluings out! I would not use wood screws( a friends new house in Colorado after one year, their doors became loose because the wood the screws where in, the wood had dried out and would not hold) #2 counter boring the wood on the bottom IMO is extra work not needed.#3 is more like what I did and would do again! It worked for me and I was not worrying what the fine points judges would say:-) Your last question don't know and I will refrain comments except, that may by a good place for a counter bore???