If it's just playing around, you might get a bit frustrated at times, but that depends on your tolerance level :)
Ok. That answers my question. At some point, it will be quite easy to download, build, and install Parrot + Perl 6 into my home directory somewhere; and then run simple Perl 6 programs while learning the language. But it sounds like that point has not been reached yet. That's fine -- I realize that development on Parrot is happening very quickly now, and that there are many smart folks who are working their tails off to make it happen sooner than later.
If you'd like to contribute, you'd be welcomed with open arms.
Thank you. Unfortunately, I haven't used C in quite a while, and so probably wouldn't be able to contribute in that area with any effectiveness. Also, as I don't yet know Perl 6, I don't think I'd be qualified to write any tests either.