Thanks for the comments. I'll grant that the desired operation of link is somewhat ill-conceived. And I'll probably change it. But once I discovered the contextual issues, I couldn't just let them go. Perhaps the most readable approach would be to add a size routine:
my $n = size($obj->link('next'));

sub size {scalar @_}

[download]
The routine doesn't do a thing except force a list context on link and scalarize its return value. But having it there also makes clear what's intended.

<heretical rant>
In my mind size ought to have been a built-in function, rather than relying solely on implied semantics and contextual hocus-pocus to do its job. The number of newbies who try to use length for this purpose is, by itself, testament to an unmet need.
</heretical rant>

And just think of all the questions in SoPW that might've been eliminated!

In reply to Re: Confused Contexts and wantarray by Dr. Mu
in thread Confused Contexts and wantarray by Dr. Mu

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