Update
Tilly says, "I find that what people do in pseudo-code, they do in real code as well. Error checks should be a reflex."
I completly disagree. Since I never use open without an or die, I never bother with it in pseudo-code. pseudo-code is specifically for reducing the algorithm to its core piece. Your later argument that two of the methods lost $! is a good one, but your argument that the examples presented contain no error checking is irrelevant. More to the point, your initial statement, "2/3 of these are syntax errors," is also out of place and inappropriate. You took an honest question and made two pointless statements as an attempt to say, "dorpus, you are asking the wrong question." I worry about that kind of response as it does nothing to assist our fellow monks and undermines your own credability as one of our more learned and informed monks. I've enjoyed our discussions here, and I think you have much to contribute. But your response here was wrong and I have no qualms about pointing that out.