jimt, I agree with you. We need more centralized information about the pros and cons of modules in the CPAN that are designed to do roughly the same thing. A professional programmer might enjoy, and be more efficient at, the process of evaluating each of the possible modules that solve roughly the same problem (e.g., templating), but a non-professional programmer like me really benefits when a more experienced or professional programmer provides some kind of overview.

Another commenter talked about a "matrix" -- that's the right idea.

An example of a very well-written matrix-like overview is perrin's wonderful article comparing templating systems. Oh for a dozen or two more like that one.