Actually, I had also given a second look to Template::Toolkit and as for the syntax, it seems to be even better suitable for our project. Its disadvantage is that it contains a compiled part, which makes it more painful to use for our application (which - again: ideally - should use external modules only if they are 100% Perl and platform independent).

The only binary module is Template::Stash::XS. You do not have to use it as it has the same functionality as Template::Stash which is pure perl implementation. The template toolkit chooses automatically the fastest available implementation so your do not have to change your code and templates.

Template::Toolkit is really excellent. I have saved my life on lot of occasions. It is well maintained and it is integrated in a lot off frameworks that need template engine.