It seems to me this class feature is half-baked

There is a reason why it is experimental. I understand the rationale given by those who have been advocating it but I only partially agree with it. There doesn't seem to be anybody suggesting that this new feature should be used in production.

I am more than happy to keep using "classic" OOP and reach for one of the light frameworks available on CPAN on those occasions which warrant something a little more sugary.