A lot of that has to do with Perl being multi-paradigm. C++ is another (though lower-level) example of that. On the one hand, there's a strong argument in favor

A lot of that has to do with Perl being multi-paradigm. C++ is another (though lower-level) example of that. On the one hand, there's a strong argument in favor of designing a "clean" paradigm and sticking to it. On the other hand, there's an equally strong argument to "pick the right paradigm for the task". It's taken me many years to appreciate the elegance in that approach, as it requires a thinking in multiple models at the same time. On a totally subjective note, I find it more "human" as our creativity lets us what's suitable for the task, without trying to mold everything into the same uniform mold. That may appeal to certain personalities more than others.