I havn't had experiences like yours, but my observation is how ignorant (and removed from the realities of computers) the management class is. Good programmers know the value of Perl, and managers just believe what they are told by teachers, and superiors; who generally believe rumors that Perl is an obsolete language meant for web programming. Linux use is even worse, most management types believe that Linux is an unstable, virus prone, unreliable OS. The truth is the opposite, but you can't tell a management type that. For one thing, they generally are afraid of having to learn something new( some are too dumb to learn... no kidding), and are constantly exposed to Microsoft propaganda.

The world is changing however; and as emerging economies grow using Linux and Perl ( because it is more economical and reliable), they will start to be more successful than the old stagnant companies stuck with Microsoft servicing charges( constant expensive updates, virus problems, and the looming lawsuits over lack of security). That really drags down a company's bottom line.