Another feature I think belongs in this list (and is related to AUTOLOAD) is symbol-table manipulation. It's very cool, but should be avoided in most situations. (Yes, I know that a lot of stuff is done via symbol-table manipulation, but that's using the API.) tie is another feature that, imho, belongs in this category.

I agree on both of these items as well. And while personally I do like mucking around with the symbol table, I try to do with great respect for the power it gives me and not to abuse it for the sake of just being clever. As for tie, I have only ever used it once, and much like my uses of AUTOLOAD, there was not other way to accomplish the same thing by other means.

I'm not arguing for a Java- or VB-ification of Perl. I'm arguing for some self-discipline among Perlers.

I don't take your statements to be that at all, I see your case as one for rational restraint and only going to war,.. ahem I mean symbol tables/AUOTLOAD/tie if you have to.