I absolutely agree it does not force you to use a specific model and that that is a good thing. But neither does it provide an off the shelf solution (let alone two or three) for the model space. There are also many modules which can be optionally used with CGI::Application but the data about whether they are any good is rather thin. That was my original point.
I agree, though if as astroboy states, you should be able to keep your same models if you move between desktop GUI, CLI or Web apps, how would a cgi-app solution for the model space help in that?
Anyway, as to CPAN rating, I am now looking to review the cgi-app modules I use.