Re: readability: if you like Python's rigidly enforced formatting, there's nothing stopping you from writing your code in a similar style with Perl - who says you need to use all the shortcuts and "line noise" (I hate that epithet) that Perl allows??

Re: feelings of guilt over "heretical" non-perl thoughts: I think the Perl community has a slight tendency to need reassurance, because perl doesn't get the 'big name' recognition. My suggestion: use whatever feels right for you and don't worry about 'heresy'....