It's a shame that OP's results have stirred up so much grief in this thread but, for what it's worth, I think his results are fantastic considering his starting point. As a NW7 myself, I remember my hair's dying days and would do anything to go back to being able to fade my hair every few days. As a guy in his twenties or thirties, being married to a fade or any other haircut is far better than being married to a shaven head.
Good luck with your second go around, @general-etwan! I really, really hope you're satisfied with your results.