Cryptic IM status icon with three dots when using pidgin-skype plugin

[geoffrey]

Binary package hint: pidgin-skype

[Ubuntu 11.04] As described here: http://askubuntu.com/q/41951/8116 , when using pidgin-skype plugin in Empathy, the IM status icon turns to a cryptic 'bubble with three dots' when computer is idle, and it is not possible to easily change status back to 'Available' from the MeMenu (rather, one must click first on 'Away', and then on 'Available') (see also https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/indicator-me/+bug/753444 ).

Steps to reproduce the bug:
1. install pidgin-skype from the software centre and restart Empathy
2. enable skype chat in Empathy: first, launch the Skype app and log in, then back in Empathy choose Accounts> Add...> protocol=bigbrownchunx, enter your skype user name, play around with the options in case of errors.
3. Then to test, open Screensaver preferences, remove the option to activate the screensaver, and set 'idle time' to 1 minute.
4. Wait for one minute.

Expected result: status icon changes to 'Away'
What actually happens: status icon changes to 'bubble with three dots'