Dry wall screws are for dry wall only.

[ChuckM]

Since dowels are used with glue, one should coat the nails with epoxy first before hammering them home! [tongue]

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I would call Abrams a “practical woodworker”.  He embraced what worked, eschews what did not. 

As a result, I try not to become too enraptured with technique over results. 

I like dowel joinery, but I use biscuits, screws, confirmats and even nails, as is expedient and does not sacrifice build integrity.

“If it works, use it.” Is my approach.

Oh I agree completely. As most of you know, I work in a cabinet shop, where speed is also a factor.
That does not negate quality in any way. Most of what I do has to appear fastener-less, with the exception of things like access panels, where screws are clearly visible. (though I have done them magnetic in a few cases)
In the under-layers of these projects, there are narrow-crown staples, #8 cabinet screws, 18 ga brads, 21 or 23 ga pins, pocket screws, and even 1/4"-20 bolts. I go through a ton of 6mm Dominos too, but only for cases where it is the better option.
Glue, a well-placed screw and a few follow-up staples will do wounders and it all gets covered up.
When I build those wall/desk units that i have posted pics of, there are more screws holding the vertical studs to the top and bottom plates than there are holding the PB, Ply, or MDF skins to the studs. Glue and staples are a powerful combination. I have made mistakes and had to tear sections apart before, that will give you a reality-check real quick. It's a lot harder that you would think, even after only a few minutes.
The initial bond of PVA can be surprisingly strong.