I basically do the same with my beard within the chin… I usually pick those "not perfect" and also those who are grown slightly longer than their neighbors…
I'm right there with you. I am sooo glad it is just my beard and not the hair on my head. My beard I can keep short so it doesn't become much of a problem, although occassionally I am a bit sad that I will never attain that true lisp hacker look.
I have also started doing this with my beard from my high-school years. As in the article, there are "special" hairs that you feel a need to pull out and offer some strange pleasant feeling.
I forced my self to stop several times for a few months, but in times when I am stressed or less mindful I do it again -_-