Is it permissible to adopt the view of the Shafi'is regarding the reprehensibility of shaving the beard, based on the permissibility of adopting the view of a trustworthy scholar even if it contradicts the majority?

The ruling on adopting the view of the Shafi'is regarding shaving the beard varies depending on the individual. For someone who perceives the weakness of their view and the preponderance of the majority opinion, which prohibits shaving the beard, it is not permissible for him to adopt the view of the Shafi'is, because that would be following personal inclination. As for the layman who cannot distinguish between the different opinions, he should imitate the person he trusts most. If they are equal, he may adopt the easier of the opinions, as long as he is not merely seeking out dispensations.