shouldn't you only add To:, Subject:,... to the outermost ::Lite object :)? You insert the alternative ::Lite object into the outer ::Lite object just to get the MIME hierarchy. To:, ... is only used for the mail header, and that only makes sense with the outer ::Lite object finally being mailed (i.e. $message). So you better agree with zwon :)

For more info on the mail format and smtp: Check out the original rfc822 and maybe its updates and MIME extension updates for more on the actual email format. Or look at an mbox file on a unix box. As you have an smtp service active, try talking to it with telnet localhost 25 and smtp/esmtp commands (unless the mailer's secured/paranoid even against localhost; maybe strace/truss the mailer process)