Although I have been interested an amateur radio for about 30 years, I've
never focused much attention on radios made with ICs.

Lately I have got an interest in FM receivers, and have discovered some
FM-related IC's/chipsets. ICs such as LA1177, LA1266, LM7000, (these three
being a chipset), and LA1235 etc etc.

But, doing a web search , you cannot find any homebrew AM/FM RX using these
IC's.

Why is this? I would have though they would be ideal for the hobbyist to
mess around with.