I have to disagree with you sceptic. This is almost the perfect use for pocket screws. It's one of the very few times where all the force is axial to the screw, which also happens to be the screws strongest alignment. Much like never using a bolt as a pin really.
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The screw won't break but the end of the screw could pull out.
I always think that if people want to use crude but fussy processes like pocket screws why not go simpler and choose nails (+ glue). Much under rated. Cheaper, more discrete, quicker.
To oppose the force of pulling a drawer out, the nails have to go through the sides into the end boards, otherwise the end boards could pull straight off. This leaves the end grain visible on the front of the drawer but this could either be hidden in a rebate or covered by a false front.
The bottom of a the drawer can be nailed straight on to the sides, which is structurally excellent as all the load in the drawer goes to the bottom board and then direct to the runner, rather than into a flimsy slot in the side or added on drawer slip. Assuming trad runners of course - also cheaper than bought and much easier to fit/build in.
The secret of nailing into thin materials is to pre-drill.
PS I should add - I've got a 100(?) year old Pembroke style table with a drawer made like this, from oak boards, with a false sycamore front. Still going strong.