I learned how to get to the module tests in CPAN from your response, and I didn't know how before, so that's a bonus.

I guess it's a comment on test quality of CPAN modules, or perhaps on the pass-fail nature of testing. The author decided that something matters enough to test (and therefore fail installation when it does not work), when it really doesn't matter to the actual operation of the module. Or so it seems ;)

The take-away, for me anyway, is I have the ability to inspect the test(s) that are telling me an installation failed, and I might be be able to determine that they relate to conditions that don't impact me. I might not also, depending on the complexity of the module and tests. But I'll never know if I don't look. That's just part of CPAN due diligence.