Yes, I noticed that, too -- the exponential code lines to cover the complex tag combinations; hence, a parser is needed at that point. The thing is that the tags, in the order I see them, are much simpler, and the "grammar" I'm using is such that I was hoping to get away with a simple lexer. As for why I'm not using the other tools out there, as you read in my original post, I'm not in an environment where I can install CPAN modules at will. However, thanks for the ideas. From what everyone has said, it appears that not only am I reinventing the wheel, but my wheel is pretty awful.

I think my module will find a happy home in the coding graveyard, but might prove useful enough for the project for which it was created.

Thanks again,
-v