I ask this because I commonly use relative directories for data, libraries local to the script in question, configuration files, and other dependencies, save CPAN modules (which are installed into the proper locations). I have found this a useful technique for portability between machines and servers.

Why don't you just use h2xs on your modules, create a proper distribution, maybe even some tests, and install them just the way you would install a CPAN module?

Of course you need root access for that, just as if you wanted to install CPAN modules

Or is there a security risk there too?