I find cpan ratings is becoming more useful e.g.

Data-FormValidator

though when faced with no differentation I tend to install and briefly try out all of the approaches ... this is pretty time consuming; its a function of how important the feature is.

My top tip is to have a peek around the t directory, run the tests, investigate the test code .... more often then not there is a correlation of the perceived quality of tests and me choosing the module.

Lastly, I am pragmatic with modules that have a large number of dependencies ... there are lots of good ones out there, but these need more investigation before I adopt them into my toolbox.