C1P9 switches off gradient mask under some circumstances

While working on some old JPEG files, I noticed the following. After making a gradient mask, I switched to the color tab. The gradient layer is shown as having the focus in the color tab and is clearly in effect. I use the advanced color editor, but when I select a color the screen gets brighter. I go back to the local adjustments tab where I notice that the gradient local adjustment is shown, but the gradient mask is now missing. That is, the effect of the gradient mask is lost. But I can put it right back. If I go to the color tab and click on the color picker, once again I lose the gradient mask. However, if, when in the color tab, I switch the focus to the "background," I can use the picker and the mask is not altered. I have tried this several times. I wonder if this is unique to my set up or whether it is a bug. I am submitting a case to C1P.

Fred Wolfe