[Avodah] Why are beards considers so choshuv?

[I. Balbin]

> 
> Date: Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:17:04 -0500
> From: Zev Sero <zev at sero.name>
> To: A High-Level Torah Discussion Group <avodah at lists.aishdas.org>
> Subject: Re: [Avodah] Why are beards considers so choshuv?
>> 
> 
> And in fact the Tzemach Tzedek holds that this is an actual issur, in
> *addition* to the issur of shaving with a razor.

The Tzemach Tzedek also holds that it's assur to fiddle with your beard lest you cause the dislodgement of (holy) hairs, as I recall.
[This particular hanhogo isn't even held by many Chabadniks, who routinely roll up their beards.]
I've always wondered whether the Tzemach Tzedek was paskening according to pure non kabbalah sources or whether kabbalah has determined his psak. Interestingly, you have famous Italian Mekubalim who davka shaved in Chutz Laaretz. 
I recall this is true of the Ramchal.

As someone once said, you have Jews without Beards and Beards without Jews.

PS. I have a beard :-)