Mod_python vs normal CGI

[Guy Heatley]

(Apologies if this post appeared before, my ISP's news server is demented)

Hello,
I was wondering if someone would care to explain the 'best practice' 
approach to integrating Apache and Python. I have been reading the docs 
that accompany mod_python but being a relative newbie it all seems rather 
strange. There seems to be very little printed documentation relating to 
mod_python (all the books I own just mention it in passing).

I own "The Python Cookbook" but most examples seem to relate to 'normal' CGI

Here is a quote from the mod_python docs (section 6.2) concerning the CGI 
handler:
"The handler is provided as a stepping stone for the migration of legacy 
code away from CGI. It is not recommended that you settle on using this 
handler as the preferred way to use mod_python for the long term."

Why is this the case?

If mod_python is reliable and provides a performance enhancement, surely it 
is the way to go?
Tungsten carbide drills?!! Lemon curry?!!

Guy