I started using Perl as scripting language when I was C programmer, so I used Perl as quick library to avoid C complication.
Then slowly, step by step, my programs contained more and more percentage of Perl, and then become pure-perl.

So, at least in my case, the phrase "Perl's a scripting language" was just a step in the evolution ladder.

BTW I think there's plenty of people who come similar way...

BR,
Vadim.

PS. my English sorrey unperfect