This, considering the following from
XML::Simple's documentation (emphasis mine):
STATUS OF THIS MODULE ^
The use of this module in new code is discouraged. Other modules are available which provide more straightforward and consistent interfaces. In particular, XML::LibXML is highly recommended.
The major problems with this module are the large number of options and the arbitrary ways in which these options interact - often with unexpected results.
Patches with bug fixes and documentation fixes are welcome, but new features are unlikely to be added.