Doctrinally perhaps, but the push for uniformity in appearance remains strong
in my locale. I chose to grow my beard out 6 months ago. After being seen in public, 2 elders to came
to my employment. The look on their faces was priceless. (Hadn't been to a public
meeting in sometime) Anyway, I told them I had a skin condition and it was exacerbated by my razor ;)
One of them actual said it looked good on me. Haven't seen them since.