I don't get this? It comes up every now and again, and I never do get it.

Who cares if someone says something like this? Does their saying it, make it so?

The very worst that could happen, is that everyone who currently uses Perl, would move to using some better language. For that to happen

1. There would have to be a better language--by whatever measure "people" make that judgement.
2. That better language would have to be at least equal value to Perl--it'd be damned hard to beat it.

If that situation arose, then I would probably switch to it too. Why not? If it is better, then wouldn't it be foolish to stick with an inferior language?

Of course. IMO, there are no immediate signs of that happening. And the only prospect I am aware of on the horizen also happens to be called Perl. Same designer. Same stable of thinkers and developers. If it turns out to be a superior language, which certainly seems likely, despite my reservations about lots of details, then wouldn't it be silly not to adopt it?

Anyone who decides to switch to PHP because someone else told them "it's better", probably also switches their brand of deoderant every week, as the advertising on TV changes.