Hey Marc, I'm glad you are back! I haven't had a chance to read through your whole thread yet, but I will. I just wanted to comment on the mustache trimming. While I think it is generally good advice to avoid trimming it for a good long while to make sure you have given it a chance to prove whether it is or isn't going to be annoying when it reaches sufficient length, I don't think trimming is the worst thing. I have come to the conclusion that not all men with long beards look funny with trimmed mustaches. I actually think I look better with my mustache trimmed. As long as the bulk is kept, you don't lose too much of the look.
Anyway, your beard is fantastic!