"How Important is Gym Badge Level?"

#PokemonGO: I did some raid-training today, and several of the people I was with would often rejoice or lament on the status of their gym badges at the various gyms we raided at, claiming that the raid boss would be easier or harder to catch based on whether their gym badge was bronze, silver, or gold. I don't think that that's the case, but I'm not 100% sure, because it's one of those things I could see making sense, so that's why I've come to you fine trainers. If this is not the case (or even if it is), what are the things that gym badge has an effect on?Edit: Thanks, all. I was just curious if I missed an update or something that made that the case. I really wish we had more active Silph travelers in our community. The PoGO scene is alive and well, but no one's on the Road. via /r/TheSilphRoad http://ift.tt/2Fl5Itc