Thanks birdbeard, a #7 is around 22mm I believe. I think keeping my hair short does give the illusion of a much bigger beard but I have been having doubts about the ratio of beard to head hair (if that makes sense) my wife says I've got my face on upside-down (stubble on my head, hair on my chin) I think it looks just fine though. In regards to you growing out, I think any length can be made to look professional, personally I think my current length is good but I will be gradually allowing it to creep out whilst keeping it tamed ;)