By distinguishing "longevity" through xp by any means either colored dots or numbers, is wrong. Regardless of its intended use, users will glance at the "xp level" and figure "Oh, he/she's smart, this must be right, which, I believe will lead to "cargo crate" thinking.

Also, by easily distinguishing experience, those lower on the experience scale might not attempt "questioning authority".

I don't have a lot of experience here, or with Perl itself, but I ask questions, even if it draws fire from a higher up.

seems like fascism to me...