Just for clarification purposes, Richard; I gather you’re not a PhotoLab user … right ? ('Cos if you were then I’d not be expecting you to be needing to use any of the Nik tools you’ve listed above).
I know this is NOT a solution to your specific problem/question, but you might consider evaluating PhotoLab as the replacement for your current workflow, as it enables you to do all of the following within a single comprehensive, non-destructive, photography-specific interface;
- process your RAW files
- apply sharpening specific to your exact [body+lens] combination
- apply “intelligent” noise reduction (via its highly rated PRIME NR algorithm)
- allow you to apply Local Adjustments using the same U-Point logic as you’re used to with Viveza
- export to JPG (or TIFF, DNG, etc)
You still might want to benefit from some of Nik’s specialist tools, such as Color Efex Pro (as I do) - but that’s then a simple to/fro export process that doesn’t suffer from any of the complications you mention. Even better, there’s a simple way to retain Control Points between editing sessions when using Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro & Analog Efex Pro - as explained here.
Just something to think about … perhaps (?!)
eg. Local adjustments, via U-Point.
Regards, John M