Your write "CC1050 just isn't made to handle async mode very well, they like to be used as packet radios and that's about it.". I disagree with this statement. In asynchronous serial mode the CC1050 transmits whatever is presented on the data input (DI). This is how CC1050 is designed and it how it works.
Reading through your post it seems like the problem is more related to your protocol. If my understanding is correct you are not transmitting a preamble. The CC1101 receiver needs a preamble for AGC settling (to set the correct gain in the receive chain) and to set up the bit slicer decision level. In synchronous serial mode the preamble is also used for bit synchronization. A preamble is needed for all radios (also non-TI) I am aware of. Following the preamble there should be a SOF for byte synchronization. When you put the CC1101 in asynchronous receive mode the first byte will not be received correctly because of the AGC settling and bit slicer decision level.
