It appears that using external html editors causes sync issues. Apparently eclipse doesn't monitor changes to the file system, except to warn you that it's out of sync. I would love the know the truth of it as I could very well be missing something obvious. In fact, I would bet that I am, considering that eclispe is so cool.
I am currently using the Amateras plugin: http://amateras.sourceforge.jp/cgi-bin/fswiki_en/wiki.cgi?page=EclipseHTMLEditor. I have no problems with it, but I use it only for the syntax coloring and the occasional content assist. --pete