gistfile1.js

dtvModule.directive('messagekey', function($http) {

  var loadTimeout;
  var keys = {};

  return {
    restrict: 'A',
    link: link
  };

  function link(scope, el, attr) {
    keys[attr.messagekey] = el;

    // initially tried with $timeout, same results
    clearTimeout(loadTimeout);
    loadTimeout = setTimeout(onTimeout, 0);

    // If this is here, it works
    // otherwise, neither of the ajax calls are made
    $http
      .get('/api/messages', { params: { keys: _.keys(keys) } })
      .success(function() {
        console.log('wtf');
      });

    scope.$on('$destroy', onDestroy);

    function onTimeout() {
      console.log('timeout');

      $http
        .get('/api/messages', { params: { keys: _.keys(keys) } })
        .success(onSuccess);

      function onSuccess(data, status) {
        console.log('success');
        for (var key in data.strings) {
          if (keys[key]) {
            $(keys[key]).text(data.strings[key]);
            delete keys[key];
          }
        }
      }
    }

    function onDestroy() {
      clearTimeout(loadTimeout);
      keys = undefined;
    }
  }
});