I think there may be a more realistic middle ground. I do feel that a few visitors/Monks (myself included) would benefit from having several structured learning paths layed out. * This probably could be done with a few well written posts in the Tutorials and/or SoPW section.

Have posts detailing roadmaps for Monks/visitors learning Perl at different levels:

0. New To Perl and Programming
1. Beginner
2. Intermediate
3. Advanced

If we can imagine an 'RFC:' post for each of these which layed out a learning path, what would it look like? What existing tutorials and posts on Perl Monks would we include for readers to study? Other Monks, of course could post replies with advice and possibly additional references — books (and corresponding chapters) for that particular level.

I think this would keep the free form community feel we have here and still provide something more 'structured' for those looking for a clear path(s). Of course someone would still actually have to write the posts ;-) but I think it's a little more realistic task than running an online university. Just a suggestion from someone learning Perl through this site, books and some of the online courses out there. Personally I like learning here better than courses I've taken but that doesn't mean some additional structure wouldn't help. :)

* (I know there are some examples of these posts throughout the years but not necessarily formalized into the Tutorials section. — at least not that I've found.)