Thanks as well Matt!
I may cause some controversy here, but if your overall goal is a short beard that is well maintained, I personally like the neckline you have going. It suits your facial structure and I think if you're trying to woo a partner, or just make people swoon, well you've kinda got a handsome look going already.
I do think backfilling the neckline and letting it keep getting longer and thicker is a wiser choice at this time.
You can always trim it back if you desire, but if you never let it grow, you'll never know!