While I am waiting for a review of my proposed patch, I'd like to hear the thoughts of my fellow monks if this is a desirable option to have.

Try these bookmarks I had for some stackoverflow question

Is it documented and tested? If documented or tested, its fine, otherwise, its a mistake :)

Is "ref($class) || $class" a bad thing?

Re^15: $class = ref $class || $class (not me) , Constructor/Factory Orthodoxy
Why ref($proto) should be avoided
ref($proto) - just say no!
Re^3: OOP first-timer shouldn't use ref $proto || $proto :)
Is "ref($class) || $class" a bad thing?
$class = ref $class || $class
(Re:)+ $class = ref $class || $class

Along with the bookmarks was my note I found "clever"

i believe the official recommendation is, if you're not using Moose/Mo/Badger...otheroopyhelpers... do whatever you want, you're doing it wrong anyway, its your time to waste