I don't like Python. Every time I've used it, it feels like a poor substitute.

You only feel Python is a poor substitute if you have used Perl before, else Python is new language to learn which can get you a job. The problem is many people who come to Python are generally from the C/C++/Java line, and find themselves at home with a syntax where the only difference is the indentation.

What are the compelling reason for them to use Perl anyway?

Python has "Perl-compatible" regex. Except of course, it isn't!

In this era where bulk of the work there is, is to write application around a data base, or take inputs from a data end point(Through web forms). The chances and the very opportunities of you using some great kung fu over data are in short supply.

but that ship has long since sailed.

and

Too late for the mature P5 programmer; and too little, too nebulous, too radical and too slow to evolve for those starting out.

I'm not sure where I read this, but I guess it was on HN. The problem with a lot of older programmers is, we don't exactly have X years of experience. We have one year of experience in a legacy technology for X years. Rigidity is not a nice thing to have, move on. And there is always the next ship.