I am not sure how your hair look in reality but as I am seeing them in the pictures, I don't think they are as thin as you are describing them. I agree to your friend. !LOLZ. You have atleast double the volume as compared to my hair.
However, I understand your concerns. You are not comparing your hair to anyone else but to your previous state. So yes, it is pretty distressing, especially when the hair loss continues to happen.
When I started losing my hair I also shortened the length, thinking that the nutrients required for the length may be utilized for the growth of new hair.
What I have observed from your photos is that your hair grow in length quicker than many others. It's a plus. Believe me. Length of my hair was stunned for a long time, and now when I have cut it shorter, they are stuck there.
The best thing we can do to us is to accept ourselves in the way we are and practice gratitude. Every thing has a reason in our lives. As you have mentioned that you have learnt to explore yourself during this hair loss journey. It's a blissful gain, isn't it?
Thanks for sharing your experience with us