The print $req->as_string method you are using to display this gives a *representation* of what gets sent rather than what *actually* gets sent. There is LWP::Debug qw(+); to get the full rundown of what transpires during the transaction.

cheers

tachyon

s&&rsenoyhcatreve&&&s&n.+t&"$'$`$\"$\&"&ee&&y&srve&&d&&print