Hola Patchy:
You need to change your name. You are no more patchy than me, and I don't have that name. Even upside-down you don't have a patchy beard. Let's look at the good things about your beard. BeardedIrishman has already pointed out that your mustache is strong, not patchy. Going down, your soul patch is the only thing patchy, and there is nothing else you could call that....a soul?????? Your sideburns are filled in all the way down your jaw to your chin. And that looks great. You will look even more respectable with some time. So you cheated a little with color, I would never have been able to tell.

You are asking us if you think your should give it a go. Do you want a beard? Then you need to grow it out. As for trimming the neck, it would look tidy with just a little adjustment, and if it were me, I wouldn't do much. Do nothing to the area just above your Adams Apple, and then just take a little off the corners. You don't want much off. A couple of things more, set a period of time, like 2 or 3 months, and don't do anything to it, other than just the little corners of your neckline. And so you can see your progression, send weekly updates. You will notice more in a week than if you look day to day.

There is no reason why you cannot grow your beard, and wear it with pride. It wants to grow out as much as you want it. And if anybody gives you "grief", they are just jealous if they are guys, and if they are girlfriends, it's because you are different. I think you look good bearded. Keep growing. I am looking forward to your updates. Tom