Redrun:

For one reason or another, you were noticed -- you don't blend in with the crowd. I get a lot more notice with the long white beard than I ever did with the close, half-inch trim. So far, I haven't felt it was a negative in any way. (Maybe people also notice the Glock on my belt and keep their negative comments to themselves.)

I can't understand what social history might make a red beard like yours into anything but an attractive asset, but people can be weird in their perceptions. Obviously, here you are with a group of beard aficionados who celebrate accomplishments like yours. Clearly a biased set of opinions in your favor. You wear it well, and have every reason to enjoy it.

In any case, wear the beard because you want to, irrespective of what the "we" or "they" think or say about it.

Your lengthening may have slowed, but I would be very surprised if it has stopped. When it's shorter, the added length is easier to notice. As it lengthens the relative change appears less, but your follicles may be pushing out as fast as before. If you need to, you can still keep a neat and tidy look by trimming your neckline, but just a lot lower. If you do want to continue with more length, your neck beard will probably catch up with the rest in several months.

Great picture with your young beard fan.