I think the sly and bearded look really depends on facial structure and how you end the tops of what would normally be considered the sideburns. They are fairly grey in my case and I frequently thin them down a bit as they go higher. Beard always stays pretty short - maybe a 3 on my clipper - and the sides drop to a 2 then a 1. Also, I've found that the best way to establish the point where it completely ends is to put my glasses on and use the line of the temple bar as the end point.It works for me and I like the look - and that's what's most important. Thanks for the affirmation guys.
I guess I've gotten used to that phase over the years. In the past I've slathered on the hair conditioner - especially a leave on type - and that has soften it up considerably.