Guards and dangles are just another way for jewelers to make money.
A guard is an extra pin that keeps your badge affixed to your shirt and shows off your chapter designation. Dangles attach to the guard, which attaches to the badge, to show your sorority leadership and honors. Neither is mandatory.
Personally, and this is
solely my own personal opinion-- I think dangles look ridiculous. Look! I was president! Look at my 2" pewter charm! Look! I got a 4.0. Look at the minute and cheaply made cultured pearl I paid $20 for that attaches to my guard!
I'm not knocking anyone who has dangles or loves to collect them. I am sure there are others who love their dangles and are proud of them. More power to you. I just didn't/don't have that kind of money to burn, and if I did, I'd probably spend it on something else. LOL.