LA or AGC? it is a puzzling quesiton.

Hi, friend. I know that LA(limiting amplifier) and AGC( automatic gain control) are 2 candidate for the post amplifier/or Main amplifier in optical tranceiver. And I already know some of their advantages and shortcomings. I have 2 quesions:

(1) Since LA is more fast in transient response(no feedback), and more simple structure and less power, it is usually chosen as the main amplifer. But, are there any system solutions or in practial, some products use AGC as the main aplifier?

(2) If AGC is chosen, why? Both AGC and LA would clip the signal if they act like main amplifier and the signal's amplitude is limited, that is, the signal distort actually. So, what's the meaning of using AGC, without making use of its better linearity?
Thank you in advance.
:D

A limiter amplifier will clip a signal but an AGC amplifier will not clip a signal. The AGC amplifier reduces gain as the signal gets larger, so distortion is prevented.