before I go to an appt.  On one website, a companion requested/instructed clients to shave no more than 2 hours before the appt to avoid or minimize stubble, etc.

 
When I don't have any appts scheduled, I let the "beard" grow out a bit and then I shave, mostly to keep razor bumps away.   If I have an appt scheduled, I'll shave an hour or two before the appt so my face is as smooth as possible.

 
I can't comment on whether or not a full beard is or can be an issue.

on a gent's face. It hurts while kissing which I enjoy. It hurts even worst while daty which I very much enjoy.
Feels like a sandpaper going over my skin. I am always clean shaven and no stubble I expect the same from my date.
It would also be very nice if gents who have long pubic hair cut or trim (I prefer it completely gone) but I know some gents don't take that into consideration.
I do not have an issue with a beard as long as it is groomed and not too long or bushy.

Stubble is rough stuff. A man needs to shave that or let it grow before seeing a lady.

I love beards.

Beard or Stubble

I don't care which you have (It's not like I'm getting serious about you). I mean it's just a business deal between a Provider and Hobbyists.

I am fine with either, or clean shaven, but at least trim the beard!! Not a fan of the ZZ top look. And don't forget to scrub the damn thing. I like to kiss, so make sure to clean the smoke, coffee, and cookie crumbs from the facial hair. Thank you!!!!  

I had a beard, medium length full, for the last 15 years.  I kept it trimmed and clean with regular professional grooming.  A couple of months ago I shaved it off for good, or at least until I'm old and crotchety and don't care anymore.  I was married for most of those 15 years and my then wife didn't really have a preference either way, so out of convenience I left the beard on.  On she became my ex and my hobbying picked up, along with dating, I began to receive feedback that the beard was not all that.  Companions sometimes complained about scratchiness or even shifted my head during DATY in an attempt to find a position that was less bothersome.  The final straw was a Match I was really into, you know beautiful girl, personality, hobbies, worldview were all aligned, had facial hair as a dealbreaker.  I shaved the next day.

The Match and I didn't go out, which is alright as I just needed one more nudge to shave, and the moment I revealed my clean smooth face the compliments began rolling in.  Most indicated I looked much younger, some along the lines of "there's that handsome face" and from my ATF's, no more repositioning and unbridled, passionate kissing back on the menu.  I kick myself for not shaving sooner.

on my beard from providers.  They seem to love to run their fingers through it too.

Unless a guy has a baby face, clean shaven looks the best.  Short beards, well maintained, can look good on certain men.  But anything over a half an inch long starts to look ridiculous.  

Yes stubble and beards are common and I wouldn't worry about your personal style. Be clean and well groomed.