Hi Jwfacts,
Many years ago in the 1980s one MS in Quesnel, BC, Canada grew a beard. He was deleted, but I recall talking with one of the elders on how they felt they basically had to find reasons in addition to the facial hair to recommend deletion. In the 80s I spent about a month in the hospital and at that time let my facial hair grew. Got several negative comments, but was so sick I didn't care. Now for "Movember" I am growing a beard again for the second time in my life.
In one of the publications there is a picture of the heavenly class, where Russell is pictured, but one notes that after his time the men are shown clean shaven. I do believe the primary motivation for the no-beard policy was two fold. Once Rutherford took over immitating him showed loyalty to his views in case their was any question of sympathy for Russell's older views. Showing Jesus as clean shaven seems to be part of the over-all anti-Christendom stances more fully expressed during the Rutheford era, especially after the 1925 failure.
I know of a couple cases where the 'student revolt' reference was appealed to, however since the 2002 directive came out, I'm sure it would be the one that would be considered the up to date directive.
Nice article!
Cheers,
-Randy