If you're testing with -f, then (and you mentioned it) shouldn't you just combine that with the -e test? Like:

if ( -e $file ) { #file exists
  if ( -f $file ) { #file is also plain
    do_your_thing();
   }
  else {
    special_error_handler_for_non_plain_files();
   }
}
else { #file doesn't exist
  special_error_handler_for_nonexistent_files();
}
[download]

I know, a bit simplistic, but just throwing the idea out there for ya. YMMV.

Theodore Charles III
Network Administrator
Los Angeles Senior High
email->secon_kun@hotmail.com
perl -e "map{print++$_}split//,Mdbnr;"