Great dagger Robert! In my FMA experience, I have never been shown any specific techniques using a pointed guard (maybe someone else has been though), otherwise I think you are right on: gouge/rake/poke ideas. Sharp and pointy can always be useful, if even just for the incidentals. It definitely adds interest to the piece, and I'm thinking that it probably has more to do with the artistic application of available materials than actually improving on the weapon - can you really improve on a blade like that!?
Either way, a really nice dagger!