eturned object must implement <code>java.io.Serializable</code>. If there is no state information to be
 saved, return <code>null</code> instead.
 </p>

 <p>
 Components may opt out of being included in the serialized view by setting their <code>transient</code> property to
 <code>true</code>. This must cause the component itself, as well as all of that component's children and facets, to
 be omitted from the saved tree structure and component state information.
 </p>

 <p>
 This method must also enforce th