Hi Robert,
Just upgrading eSearch to v2.4.0.2 from 2.1 and noticed you have included a ''Default Activated Graphic Tool'' option. In previous versions I am using the, this.drawBox.activate('POINT'); function in the widget.js located under the onOpen: function to re enable the BY SHAPE - Point option when moving between tabs eg Esearch, Printing, etc in the tab theme and it works very well.
I think this new configuration option ''Default Activated Graphic Tool'' when set is not working correctly with the BY VALUE tab within eSearch. Basically I think the BY VALUE tab does not get recognized the BY SHAPE functions (point, line, polygon, etc) anymore within its own environment eg toggling between the two.