Actually I thought it was hilarious they had to have Tom Riker sport the 50's villain evil goatee just to show he's the bad guy.
Ensign Baby Face himself, Jonathan Frakes gained weight throughout the series and movies?? No way! I dig the beard.
Jonathan Frakes should've been born with the beard of awesome. In fact, it should be permanent; instant regrowth. He just looks weird when shaved.