Autocomplete - options not redisplaying

Autocomplete - options not redisplaying

I just recently moved up to jquery UI 1.8.4 from 1.8.0, and this was introduced somewhere along the way.

The problem is visible in the "remote datasource" demo for autocomplete.

Reproduction:

1. Type in 'sp', wait for results
2. Press backspace, results go away as intended.
3. Type 'p' (field now reads 'sp')
4. Note, results do not come back.

Granted, you can press the down arrow to get the list, but that is not immediately obvious to the average user.  I went into the code see if i could easily get around this, and have not found a way.  The problem originates from this code:
  1. _create: function() {
  2. ...
  3. .bind( "keydown.autocomplete", function( event ) {
  4. ...
  5. default:
      // keypress is triggered before the input value is changed
      clearTimeout( self.searching );
      self.searching = setTimeout(function() {
        // only search if the value has changed
        if ( self.term != self.element.val() ) {
          self.selectedItem = null;
          self.search( null, event );
        }
      }, self.options.delay );
      break;

The timeout method only executes search() if the current match does not match the previously searched term.  Unfortunately, the only way the suggestions appear is if search() is executed.

This becomes a problem when you drop below the minimum number of characters and then return to your previous search term.

Seems like a distinct bug to me, and hopefully it will be addressed in the next release.  In the mean time, any information anybody has on a patch (short of modifying the autcomplete widget source) would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!