Feather Leg Farms, you're trying to build a Silkie army to take over the world, aren't you? And now you're just picking brains for the proper weaponry? I see all your ads on BST. You are definately up to something.
Anyway, bearded.
I have both - I think the beardeds are prettier, but the non-beardeds can SEE better. I think my non-beardeds get around and find food much easier than the beardeds do, so I keep the feathers cut around the eyes of my bearded silkies. And to me, its more about the quality of life and health of the bird than it is about the looks - but then again, I like things that are low maintenance, and clipping feathers around the eyes is just another chore I have to contend with. So if I had my choice, I'd probably pick non-bearded.