I always thought the beard rule was stupid, my hubby has had a beard as long as I have known him and keeps it very neat and tidy and I would have hated him having to shave it off.
When we were active he still had some Congo privileges, but I expect he would never have been appointed to MS with it not that he cared.
However back in the late 80’s early 90's we had a lovely brother join the Congo who had a beard and he was hounded because of it. I always felt sorry for him and his wife he had been an elder for many years previously and was one of the few good guys, but our loving brothers were so cruel it sent him crazy and all over a beard.