By the way, the web application is basically everything and the kitchen sink, so I see it being a very large project.

I'm not sure that what language your write it in is of valid consideration. Whichever language you do write it in you still are going to be bound by some semblance of proper programming technique.

Any good examples of web applications written in Perl?

You're using one.

I often feel that people look at Perl as some language from 1998, and Python is the new big thing. I'd like for people to want to use what I am working hard on, so this is a big concern for me.

Who cares what people think? There is always going to be "the new thing" and someday someone is going to think rails|java|python|whatever is "old hat" and want everybody to jump on the bandwagon for the new thing.

If the code is well crafted and the UI is comfortable for folks to use they are going to want to use your application reguardless of what language you write it in. In fact unless you tell them they may never know.

I am quite comfortable with Perl,

So run with it.

So far I've crafted web applications in:

• Perl/CGI: My default.
• mod_perl: One or two apps.
• Java under pure JSP and servlets.
• Java using Java Server Faces
• Java using Struts/Tiles
• Ruby on Rails
• PHP

with the Java applications using Hibernate as their peristence layer.

My considered opinion is they each have their advantages and drawbacks. I like some of the UI features of Java Server Faces (JSF). Hibernate is good stuff but can be a bit temperamental.

All in all my favorite is still Perl/CGI and PHP being my least favorite.