While I’m not a pocket hole screw user, I’m not against them either. I view this as more of a gluing question. Since cross grain and long grain gluing situations should be avoided as much as possible, it does come up. Such is the case for face frames.
If I were going to glue a joint of this nature. I would first want to sand the end grain smooth as possible, to close up the end grain as much as possible, before sizing the end grain for gluing. Once the sizing has dried I’d then glue and clamp the joint together, when dry, drill pocket holes and screw tight.
-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg
