I think a smooth shave would look nice and clean. The hair looks a bit messy like this so it will look more sharp for sure! I also had a mole on my head and had it removed (because I just don't like them), it didn't hurt and the scar is really small, almost not visible. So personally I would get rid of those.
Personally I think you should leave the beard at a short length because it mainly grows in your neck and not on your cheeks. If you grow I think it will become a neck beard.
You do have really thick hair on the sides and back, you could also grow it out into a ponytail and shave the thin part on the top completely. I personally really like that style too, but I understand it's not for everyone :-)
But most important is what you personally like best, you have to feel comfortable with it!