Perks of the badges?

[anelegantmyth]

I have thoroughly, thoroughly read the Q & A and info pages like, I don't know how many times and I think I finally figured out how I wanna play Cynthia on here but uhm. In the plot running in my head, it might take her a while before she gets the balls to willingly challenge the gym leaders (them being her friends and all, it's a pride thing)

So can someone just tell me the down sides to not getting badges if there are any. I mean not everyone follows the same path right? I just wanna make sure I won't be missing out on the fun stuff if I continue with this little plot bunny. Or idk, maybe there's an alternative thing she could do while she's in her denial blah. 

idk.

I'm actually considering contests but I read over the contest info post and by the gods I still don't understand it.

noobness lvl: brain farts
 I guess this is what happens when I take summer class and it's an everyday kitchen class. My brain turns to mush.