Hi OMGWTF,
You asked:
is keeping a reasonable face out of the question in boxing?
No, it isn't. You just need to put in the time and effort to develop a good defense/counter-offense.

You also asked:
Second question there are some hard hitting experienced guys that enjoy beating the crap out of new guys in my gym...How do I stay as safe as possible from a broken jaw/nose/knockout when facing these guys?
Plain and simply, don't spar with them.

If you've got dickheads like that at the gym you train at, go find a new gym along with a new trainer. Any trainer worth his salt wouldn't send you to the wolves. That's bullshit.

Now, if you happen to be a self-delusional guy who's really full of himself, well, I can see a trainer occasionally putting you in against guys like that to humble you and bring you back down to earth. Anyway...

Take Care,
Lito