I'm agree with you. It's right conseption to separate code and HTML. But, I think, generally, it's the same to use operators of pseudo-language of template or Perl. In both cases you have code in your html page.

Implement all logic of your application in the Modules (Classes) and just call methods for retriving some data and display in specified place.

I don't agitate for Mason or Embperl. I'd like to tell you that those tools useful, power and flexible. You should just look at them more intent. ;-)

Update: How about performance? In case with template system, you will have two processes of your data for building HTML page: preparetion template data and processing your template.

      
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SV* sv_bless(SV* sv, HV* stash);