So... I'm curious... are people downvoting this node...simply because I refuse to idolize PBP and its illustrious author?

Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly didn't downvote you because you refuse to idolize me or my book. I'm actually rather grateful to you for that.

I wouldn't have downvoted the node at all, or even commented on it, except for your update, in which--although you freely admit you haven't actually read the book--you still choose to dismiss it with a snide:

"fine if you are just dropping sheaves of code from the top of your ivory tower"

I don't consider that informed or constructive criticism, but that alone would still not be sufficient reason to downvote your node.

The real problem is that ad hominem rhetorical manipulations of that kind are not in the true Perl Monks spirit, and undermine the sense of generosity, honesty, and mutual support that make this community so very special.

To paraphrase Burke: "All that is necessary for cynicism and negativty to flourish is for good Monks to do nothing." That's why I downvoted your node.