However, it is possible to lose connection, so we need to show the label of "bad quality" that ignitions have. The problem is that the expression or script transformation doesn't continue the errors.
I am guessing in designer your view.params.path is blank and so the tag path is not valid right now giving your that error. If you hover over the error with the mouse it should give you a bit more information.
If coalesce doesn't return the default value, then the initial value provided isn't null.
Check your values. If you're getting "" instead of "--", I'm willing to bet your input is not null but an empty string. Those are not the same thing.
Using a script transform for this IS extra work. The expression I provided above is exactly what you're asking for in the simplest possible form.