Dave I'm new as well and I think the scarf joint seems to be the way to go. I haven't heard or seen any other technique to accomplish what you are looking to do. I've seen it done a couple of ways. Check this out:
https://youtu.be/bYvQmusLaxw?t=1135and this is the other way I've seen it a scarf joint done:
https://youtu.be/6j-U1P49r8U?t=392I think I'd opt for the first one. Looks like a better design considering where the join occurs over the post.
