But here's my problem - I don't think it is "good" at it. It's merely just about capable of dealing with it.

I too run into XML in all manner of places - config and API calls primarily. I've also been tripped over by places with annoyingly fussy change control, that inhibit additional module installation.

Problem is - there are no XML parsers on the core list. In either case, it's an additional install (which granted, may come bundled with an OS perl, thanks to dependencies - of which there are more for XML::Simple I think).

I have honestly yet to see a scenario where the XML::Simple answer was the 'better' one.