I think I will let the neck line go for a bit and see what happens.  I'm already skirting the outer frontier as it is in that area (doesn't really grow that much lower on my neck), but figure length and time will compensate as the hair growth is moving in that direction anyway.  Just trying to achieve a more even, smooth outline rather than the slightly lopsided one I have now.  I'm assuming the suggestion from most of you has been less of an upside down "U" shape and more of a right-side up gentle curve.  Bottom line:  I just have to make it "presentable" so as not to draw any unnecessary objections by those I have to report to.  So far... so good.  As a safety engineer and emergency manager who has to deal with getting my guys respiratory fit-tested and cleared on SCBA equipment annually, the beard thing on my end can raise a number of eyebrows by those who I supervise when I tell them they have to be clean-shaven to pass their respiratory equipment certs.  Since I manage, but never go in, I can get away with it, but others are not so fortunate.