I agree with you mostly. I am one of the many Perl hackers who had to learn PHP. But in a few years mod_perl will be replaced by mod_parrot, which should revolutionize a few things.

mod_perl also suffers because its name contains the word "perl". Anything that contains the word "perl" or "cgi", is frowned upon and seen as archaic. Not everywhere, but in enough places to make you naucous.

How about ... mod_zilla? Hmmmm... mod_thra? Oh, I know... mod_perl_2003 (but I guess that would entail insecurity)