MenuScript button vs. New User Command

I have created a few journals which change the visibility of specific layers based upon an argument that I pass with the journal code. If I create a New User Command, I can ALWAYS use the command. For example, if I am editing a CAM operation and I am selecting area geometry, I can change layer visibility with just one click of the user command. That works great. If I create a MenuScript button with the exact same functionality, it also works, BUT not if I am editing an operation, program group, or anything in which I have a dialogue open. The buttons on the ribbon bar are grey and not selectable. How can I make the buttons on the ribbon bar selectable? Some ribbon bars, such as the View ribbon, has many buttons that stay available with another dialogue open. Any direction on this would be greatly appreciated.