. . . for the root node, but not all sub-nodes. . . .

In other words, it utterly does not do what the OP asked for.

And your workaround is (if I may speak for the OP) also not acceptable.

you do introduce another server hit, but is it really that big of a deal?

I don't think he's concerned about the server hit; he's concerned about his convenience, particularly considering how slow it can be to load a PerlMonks page, as well as having to go Back or close temporary browser windows.

McDarren's suggestion is the only really good one (aside from implementing the OP's idea).

Personally, I don't think the OP's idea is that bad. But given the existence of Monk Links - Copy Perlmonks-links to the clipboard in on-site-format, it doesn't seem particularly critical.