That is a great story Randy. I have not actually approached anyone and commented on his beard like that but I have experienced the the unspoken acknowledgment between beard growers. I had this happen with an older bearded gentleman who was looking at my beard (and I was looking at his), and the same with an older IndoCanadian man. It was just sort of an unspoken compliment, but it felt good nonetheless.

We live as though the world was what it should be, to show it what it can be. - Angel (Season Four)