I liked your post. It didn't strike me as being a rant, just a strong opinion about something. Nothing wrong with a little passion, even if it's about a programming language.

There are always going to be holy wars. They're still arguing about goto, for crying out loud. They've been nattering about that for decades, and there has been no resolution. The same applies to programming languages.

Personally, I think one very strong factor that decides whether we like a language is our personality. Some people feel more secure in a B & D language. They don't mind the extra overhead required for even a quick, one-shot program. Other people like the freedom and variety offered by Perl. When all is said and done, I don't think there's any great criterion for deciding which language is "better" - it just depends on what you find more useful or easier (assuming you get to choose, of course). It's kind of like arguing over whether loafers are "better" than tie shoes.

The only question I have about advocacy is whether it does any good. It seems to me that most of the time people are fairly well entrenched in their choices. And of course, many people don't get a choice - they have to use whatever their shop requires, period. I think advocacy would often wind up preaching to the choir.

And to be honest - what's the benefit of winning converts, anyway? I like Perl and will use it, whether it's considered uncool or undisciplined or whatever.