Dynamically created patchcords made with JS won't pass signals

I'm using JS to dynamically create patchcord routings between objects. Curiously, new connections will only pass MSP signals if I stop and restart the audio engine. Scripting connections by sending max messages to this thispatcher does not have this problem.

here's an example:

and here's the js:

function connect(){
    glurp = this.patcher.getnamed("glurp");
    churble = this.patcher.getnamed("churble");
    this.patcher.connect(glurp,0,churble,0);
    fnerp = this.patcher.getnamed("fnerp");
    glunch = this.patcher.getnamed("glunch");
    this.patcher.connect(fnerp,0,glunch,0);
}

function disconnect(){
    glurp = this.patcher.getnamed("glurp");
    churble = this.patcher.getnamed("churble");
    this.patcher.disconnect(glurp,0,churble,0);
    fnerp = this.patcher.getnamed("fnerp");
    glunch = this.patcher.getnamed("glunch");
    this.patcher.disconnect(fnerp,0,glunch,0);
}