You'll want to skip XML::Simple. Quoting:

STATUS OF THIS MODULE ^

The use of this module in new code is discouraged. Other modules are available which provide more straightforward and consistent interfaces. In particular, XML::LibXML is highly recommended.

The major problems with this module are the large number of options and the arbitrary ways in which these options interact - often with unexpected results.

Patches with bug fixes and documentation fixes are welcome, but new features are unlikely to be added.

My typical contribution to these kinds of conversations are "Use XML::Twig".