Here is a working example of what I have in mind,
See the clone-gui.pd to see it working.
The gist is you embed your gui inside the clone and then have one of the clone inlets be a [vis $1( message to pop that subpatch window.
p.s. I have a really complex control right now I am working on, and this might be one (better) way to approach it.
Peace thru Sharing and Love through Music.
p.p.s Has anybody done any work on making a treeview control? Say...to set an heiarchical apps properties for instance. My thinking thus far is since we all have "wish" we might be able to use its treeview widget to do it. (my apoloigies for crossposting.)