re: Is Scott Phillips (American Woodworker) preventing new wood workers from learning proper Joinery ?

Steve
There’s nothing wrong with using Pocket screws sometimes. You’re not going to get arrested if you use them LOL .But if you want your woodworking skills to grow and your projects to be of higher quality then you might practice more refined joinery,and then use pocket screws on things like jigs or cabinets or items you will need in the shop.