I'm clear in front (just some under my chin). I have had zero remarks. I think it makes me look younger, which isn't a drawback at all.
Most men are clean shaven, and as we get older, the shadow fades due to grayness, so it's no big deal, imo.
I have had a beard since I was 12yr old. After High School I let it grow it's always been full and very tough - kept it trimed and nice. the only time I shaved is when I started competing in body building competitions and I cut my hair and shaved my whole bodyIt felt so good, Before that I had shaved my legs a few times - wife dident like. I am lucky it's light in color and doesn't show much -- but if I am dressed you can tell after a while if you are close -- it's a pain but I can live with it but I shave every day now