Hi Matt
I actually created a workaround for this problem and many others I had.
Unfortunately it requires some changes to the base code of the Kendo javascript but brings lots of benefits when working with ListViews in particular. But it's not hughly over complicated.
My workaround basically add two variables to the ListView options that allow me to add functions on particular outcomes of the datasource.
I altered the following code in the kendo.all.js inside the ListView parameter found around line 19121 (All altered code is commented with the prefix ALT):
The "init" function changes
The "options" changes
The "refresh" function changes:
With these changes done to your default kendo library you can now add functions to the ListView calls to perform tasks if the datasource comes back empty or with rows.
An example of my use with it
I know its not foolproof and has the old when I update kendo I need to add this again issue but it works well for me and should be addable to almost any other kendo function the same way.
You never know kendo may try to add this in future releases.
Thanks
Jamie