Hey, Martin, great thread I have just found here on the board. Congrats on a great look, Tom is right with the wave, it's looking exceptional with it. Full stop.

But I don't agree with you that your cheeks were hopeless. The hairs on the upper cheek will become longer and hide the weaker parts below with time. Also some slow growers might join the game with more weeks passing by. I see similarities to my own beard pattern with those bigger patches, feel free to take a look at my yeard thread from the past.

Those close-up pics from your sides are taken in harsh light. No one is looking that way at your beard. The darker pics do it more justice.

I would definitely give it another shot. You just have to be more patient, if the time and place is right (it never is, btw). This is your beard and your chance to grow it, you shouldn't regret later you didn't try it.

Keep growing and keep us updated!