Many modern /high-performance/ receivers omit the RF stage
(such as the Sony DSP FM tuner), or allow you to bypass it
(many ham receivers).

Ham receivers omit it because most hams don't need or want it.
Since you are going to be transmitting into a ham antenna, it
needs to be resonant or appear to be resonant.

What does this have to do with the perceived need for an RF stage at the
receiver?