I use the docking cleats on the bow.
Me too. If the cleats can survive the gales that hit my unprotected marina, I think that they will survive anchoring. Also, an anchor line is generally pulling in the cleat's strongest direction. I don't think that there is a stronger place on the bow to attach it
Disclaimer: There are no really good anchorages on the lake where I sail - so I have only done it for practice. Last Saturday a west wind
exploded on me - if it had not eased up by the time I got near the marina - anchoring was going to be the "plan B" if docking looked dicey. At least I have practiced anchoring as an option for exactly this problem, a wicked down slope west wind that explodes...
I like to think the anchor, rode and cleat would have held...
OC