That's a lovely haircut you have, it would look lovely on my floor...no wait...that's not how it was supposed to go... haha just kidding
short doesnt always mean low maintenence. Layers are easy because you can let it dry naturally and you'd get that messy natural look. short sometimes is harder because you have to make sure it doesnt poof out. if your hair poofs that is.
I have natural curls too. I just comb it when it's wet and put on a few drops of anti-frizz serum. It dries curly without too much frizz and you're done. It's easy as pie. I have it cut with layers so the curls move more.
I vote for long. I let mine grow out fter having it short for about a year and I think it's so much cuter long. Don't let it get all limp and icky though. Do fun things with it. I lvoe straightening mine or going over it with a huge curling iron so it's really wild and wavey.