When writing a library or module, it is indeed best to avoid exit, unless for when it actually makes sense.
Yes, I read this in the docs. But what about my other question? Why is the exit() in END() getting called?

Update: (Wed Jul 10 22:09:21 PDT 2002)
Silly me, the exit() in the END{} block is definitely not aborting the program, but is still setting $?, which is what I'd expect. This is clear after reading this.

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"A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack."