Big Chop vs. long transition

Obviously I don't have much of an update as far as my transition is concerned.  My last relaxer was June 9th so my hair is bone straight (I burned so badly it was the final reason I needed to go natural).  Here are some photos of what my hair looks like now (you can see the part and everything!)

          

I've already begun trimming the relaxed ends.  I had my stylist cut off about 3 inches, so my hair is only shoulder length now. I've got to be honest and tell you that I'm terrified---I haven't had short hair in years, back when my hair was unhealthy and breaking off.  I have  neck rolls, people....short hair doesn't look good on me!
 

So as I've been doing research on going natural, I've learned there are two ways to go about it:

1:  The Big Chop (BC) where a person cuts off all of their hair. 

2:  (my choice) the long transition where a person keeps their relaxed ends whil growing natural roots.  As time progresses, the relaxed end are cut off until nothing remains but the new, virgin hair.

To any reader's that I happen to have, if you've gone (or are going) through becoming natural, what choice did you make and why?  Were there any pros and cons?