@Richard_I, as I say it's very inconsistent. It's a bit like the "marriage out of the lord" issue. I would bet my life that the GB are minded to make them out and out bans with judicial consequences, but know that even in the World of Dub there is no way that would stick.
With beards they allow the old and unwritten rule about them being unacceptable to persist, not making any out and out statement on what is acceptable whilst sending spewing typical double speak around no rules/just principles/reasonableness countered with non too subtle hints about their preference. This can be seen in the lack of beards permitted on the stage at circuit/district events, comments about new ones cutting their beards off and the use of beards in images in the magazines.
Take a look at last week's WT in the June study edition. Under the guise of showing "impartiality", an image of an older witness couple greeting a new one is shown. We all know he is a new one because he is wearing casual clothes, has long hair and... wait for it.... A BEARD.
There was a recent magazine depicting a pirate about to board another vessel, repleate with cutlass, breeches, blouse and fine pirate long hair and a beard. He is then shown having a study after being resurrected in the new system. Just like all the bible characters he gets resurrected along with his old clothes. He is still wearing his breeches and blouse. But, unlike Moses, Job, John and all the other faithful ones of old, he does not get to keep his beard. He has been to the local Hairmageddon franchise and got his newly resurrected locks neatly trimmed and his beard reduced to a regulation moustache. Hilarious but clearly presents the GB world view.
I have heard that Scandinavia is more liberal than elsewhere but it's certainly the case that there is no clear cut standard in the UK. I know several congregations (including my own) that currently have or had recently had appointed men with beards. I don't know of any that formally say you cannot have a beard but maintain the Ross Perot standard through simple peer pressure, sending out the clear signal that to grow a beard is clearly something for the spiritually immature.
As the saying goes, the only people with a beard in the truth are either on their way in or on their way out. It would funny except the whole thing is mirrored in so many other aspects of JW behaviour and the result is a high level of unhealthy control without having to make rules.