Hi,
Yes, Stefan told me about the preamp on the Funcube - that's why I made the measurements. I guess, this means, that the OsmoSDR will get one as well...
Size is a problem tough...
You could use a SPF5043Z made by RFMD. It is a tiny MMIC in a SOT343 package. With a proper PCB layout of the power plane it should be very easy to integrate it in the OsmoSDR PCB.
PS.: I really would like to see/do some tests on the influence of the inductively of the header pins (including jumper) within the signal path.
Ulf