I didn't downvote you, but here are a few reasons someone else might have:

• You've posted the same code at least two other times.
• Your explanation of the error is unclear.
• You didn't provide an example of the output you're receiving.
• You didn't provide an example of the input you're parsing.
• You didn't provide an example of the output you wish to receive.
• Your "cat $_ | grep FOO" is, at best, inefficient and is possibly a security hole. (What if someone creates a file named "; rm -rf / ;"?)

It's hard to give a good answer when we're not sure what the question is.

To your credit, you have pared down the original code somewhat (if I recall correctly), but you will get better help if you will provide the information listed above.

I would also recommend that you post as a followup to the parent here -- posting multiple questions on the same subject is unnecessary, crowds the forum, and spreads out your potential replies. I don't need to reply to a post where someone like btrott has already given a good answer, but if there are multiple questions, I might duplicate his work in another thread.

Hope this helps.