its just how things work in the real world. People around here are happy enough to use Perl 5 to 'script', but no one takes it seriously as a programming language capable of writing full scale programs that are extensible and maintainable. I do not fully share their view, but admit that it has its merits.

Well, there are many examples in the real world that proof Perl 5's robustness, scalability and efficiency. IIRC the goal of Perl 6 is to provide these things in a much more powerful way that's more fitting the modern state of thought. I don't think it's primary goal is to "sell."

I've done large things in Perl 5 because it absolutely provides this possibilities. And regarding perl's age (how much is it again? 10 years?) and what it gives, I'd say the P6 development crew should take all the time they need. Especially because I'd really like 10years+ of Perl 6 when it's ready.