To put as an analogy, pearl is like an iron or bronze blade, top of the line at the time. Now we have a ton of improved metals to choose from - steal, tungsten, titanium, etc. With improved method of producing ever sharper blades. Why would I want to use the old technology? Sure it can get the job done, but it's tougher to use, and rusts quicker.

If it helps, I also think the same of JavaScript. There are many faults that make it more difficult to code in than necessary.

For both its a preference shared by many, and being a software engineer we can probably pick (some of the time) what jobs we do, so we can avoid jobs with antiquated or difficult programing languages to use. Of course, I use JavaScript (and even some Pearl) regularly because I need to.

Finally, ill be honest, I know like 2 decent pearl developers and neither recommend using it / getting into a position maintaining it.