Ah! In the past, the whole  $class = ref $class || $class argument went over my head - it now makes some sense.

Having read the threads BrowserUk (++) pointed out, I've yet to make up my mind.
Having a clone() method seems like a Good Idea, and takes some clutter away from the new() method.

That said, I can't see the problem with  $class = ref $class || $class, provided there is a need for it.
Just putting it in all code seems pointless.

Update: merlyn posted •Re: Re: Re: Re: Mmmm ... cargo cult progamming is nummy! and made up my mind - clone() it is! :-)