Thank you. Your well thought out examples of  print qq{...} / qx{...} in conjunction with the above reference to Re^2: How can we interpolate an expression?? provide an excellent foothold for the understanding of a concept that had originally seemed far-fetched to me. I think my bias towards clarity will prevail in this particular situation and I might stick with assigning pairs to a hash for the associated files. Is this exceedingly Novice?

"Whenever I encounter an assumption like this, old scars begin to throb and I feel a strong urge to program defensively."

In hindsight, I can definitely understand the ramifications of this assumption and plan on expanding the original script to include acceptance of a larger/more realistic spectrum of file extensions, as well as generating a more concentrated focus on defensive coding in my practice and learning.

You sir, have hit the nail on the head in regards to the kind of input I was hoping to receive in posting this for review. This is a pristine example of the quality of this community and why I prefer it to the plethora of available forums. Your response has opened several paths of inquisition in my mind, that I intend to follow to fruition. Thanks again!