With the caveat that I'm hardly in a position to hold forth on Monastery policy...

I'm willing to give OT posts wide latitude if the solution to the poster's problem aids the Perl cause within their organization. For example: Web server configuration can be off-topic, but getting Perl CGIs working on IIS/PWS is often essential for Perl to gain a toe-hold. That can also extend to answering the occassional SQL question.

I'm also happy to ignore OT-ness if the poster has developed a reputation here, particularly when they've gone out of their way to help others. What goes around should be allowed to come around.

Other than that, burn 'em.