Are there no gatekeepers to the CPAN respository, then?

About the only restriction is that the code cannot have a license that doesn't allow the code to be freely distributable.

Do modules get at least a cursory glance?

No. There's no dresscode at the door. And all minorities are welcome.

Sounds like CPAN needs some kind of peer rating system so it's easier to find the quality code.

No, I don't think it does, and luckely, those in charge don't think so either. I think it will be the death of CPAN if there was some kind of organization that decided which code was CPAN-worthy and which wouldn't.

There's no CPAN cabal.

Abigail