The whole postfix approach was cute when it was c = *p++ in C. Get the value pointed to by the pointer, then increment the pointer. Sure.
Turning an arrayref into an array (@{ $array_ref }, or @$array_ref), as has already been mentioned, is fine. Going to $array_rec->@* instead seems to obscure what's going on .. like you're giving directions, and saying, "Up ahead, turn right .. oh, but first, turn left.".
That's fine, now I'm aware, and can answer if it comes up in a job interview. And I'll avoid using it like the plague.
Alex / talexb / Toronto
Thanks PJ. We owe you so much. Groklaw -- RIP -- 2003 to 2013.