I created a module /script like that .. it did most of the things you asked for, and in hind sight, the others (emailing lost password / registration) would make a great addition.

It's written explicitly for use with CGI::Application and has specific hooks for HTML::Template.

I put code out to members of the CGI::Application mailing list a while ago and got some decent feedback .. adding the features you mentioned might boost response a little.

If you or anyone else wants the code gimmie a shout at scomrie@shrinkingplanet.ca and i'll throw you the link for it .. (i think i'll have to repost the code on my web site because it got shuffled around during a re-vamp).