# was 
if (!($line =~ /\s*[a-qs-zA-Z]/))

# equivalent to (as noted by dragonchild)
unless ($line =~ /[a-qs-zA-Z]/)

# should have been IMHO
unless ($line =~ /^\s*[a-qs-zA-Z]/)

# which is equivalent to (with assumption 'textfile')
if ($line =~ /^\s*r/)