Maybe my implementation was naïve. When I update the toolbar I have to have a ui_template for each page I need to update. Instead of wiring directly from the function node, it looked cleaner to just forward the output of the ui_template node to the next ui_template node.
Here is how I am using it... One template per page
Am I incorrect in assuming I need one ui_template per page. If that is true then I have a problem somewhere else as with out it, the other pages won't update.
I think you are mistaken
As when i send msg.test with no other properties to a ui-template scope.$watch, the msg is received at the browser and displayed.