if Perl isn't very bitpicky, it is probably not the language for me. I want to code as efficient as I can, otherwise, what's the use? It will be bad code since it could have been written better.

You have been deceived into thinking that there is one measure of goodness for code, and that is CPU-cycle efficiency. Do not be lured by that oversimplistic view. Micro-optimization is the seductive siren of the Dork Side.

Evaluating the quality of code is something like a beauty contest. Putting everything on how fast it runs is like deciding the winner based on how fast she answers the interview question. There's a degree to which speed matters, but more important is whether the answer satisfactorily addresses the question. And what about the swimsuit competition? Does your code provide complete coverage with a minimum of excess? Or the eveningwear: is it so elegant and appealing that you'd want to show it off to your friends?

And don't underestimate congeniality. Programs that don't get along with other programs are not winners.