Lifesnotfair, thanks for your assessment. I hope I'm not just being a Pollyanna about this, butI don't think the pictures really tell the truth about the sides. The pics look like their are some big totally bald areas, but there is actually blonde hair (almost translucent) growing there that just doesn't show up in the pics. I'm hopeful that those hairs will eventually be out enough to provide coverage. I want a full beard, and again, I'm committed to the end of May for sure. If it is good then, well, it's on for the duration. I've been enduring some grief from some acquaintances, but my wife and kids are cheering me on.

Patrick, thanks, and I'll keep going.  You are an inspiration. 

This whole forum is a big encouragement, albeit somewhat addictive.

We may need to form a Beardboard Anonymous group before long.