I feel compelled to chime in here. I think in 99.99% of the cases, the pins that we're seeing up on E-Bay are from deceased members, and what is happening is that
the surviving family members are not aware that the proper disposal of the badge is to return the pin to the GLO's headquarters.
I also have to say, that for the family members who are left behind, they are likely quite bereaved and want to settle matters as soon as possible, so repatriating a pin back to a GLO's headquarters might seem like more hassle than its worth. If they find a "pretty" pin, they might just go, "hmmm...maybe some antique dealer might take an interest in this?" Also a lot of people are clueless about the Greek alphabet and maybe don't even know that Grandma or Grandpa were in a GLO and if they did, they might not know what GLO it is...Grandma or Grandpa might not have mentioned it (particularly if they were not active alumni in the post-college years).
I don't know if this is "off color", but in virtually every magazine issue that I get of The Anchora, there is an "In Memorium" section of members who have passed away...maybe there could be a tactful blurb in there reminding people about the proper disposal of a badge. It might be the only way to get the awareness level up, know what I mean? A lot of alumni out there don't even realize that they are supposed to be ANNUAL DUES....so I can see that a lot of people are not aware of the proper disposal of a badge upon death.
To answer your question, while I don't like to say this, the reality is for a sorority or fraternity to try to take legal action to get a pin back, would be fruitless and a waste of money and time. The simple. unjewelled badges are often worth less than $100.00. So, even if the GLO were to win, the property in question is of such a small monetary value that it might only be settled in "small claims" court and I don't know how easy it would be to enforce the judgment (i.e. get the pin back). [In Canada, Small Claims Court is for property worth <$500.00)].
I guess my thoughts are, no, I don't like it to see GLO pins for sale"....however, if someone is buying it because they think they're beautiful and to be admired...well, then I can take some consolation in that.
However...if someone is buying them with the intention of WEARING THEM and misrepresenting themselves (i.e. "perping themselves") as an initiated member of that organization, then THAT I have a problem with.
I think for the most part though, pin collectors buy them for the looking and admiring, not for the wearing.