I don't know if they are needed or not to keep the bracelet secure, but I've tried it without them and the beads getting stuck on the threads just drives me insane! I've added mine back over the threads to keep them from sticking.
Maybe someone else can speak to the bracelet's stability. I would think if that were true that Pandora would put it in there bracelet information. Maybe the SA was just trying to sell clips?? LOL
I don't think the clips are 100% necessary, but they are definitely useful!!! I just had one charm for about a month and it wasn't really bothersome, but then I got 2 more (a few hours before I got my clips) and it was definitely driving me crazy to have them slide all over the place. I think it's a personal preference.
I also thought the SA was trying to get a quick sale. Thanks for the opinions, I will probably just end up getting clips to keep the beads in place anyway.
Alatrop, I love how your bracelet is coming along!