The result of ($status!=0) will always be either 0 or 1 won't it?

It will either be 1 or "" (the empty string.) All of the comparison operators work this way with the obvious exceptions of <=> and cmp. So do logical negation and most of the file test operators.

I get the distinct feeling I'm walking into the trap here, but I cannot see it.

Well, it wasn't really meant to be a trap but, yes, you walked into it. :-)

-sauoq
"My two cents aren't worth a dime.";