I think the takeaway here is that:
1) You and your daughter are in good enough condition to hit it pretty hard. That's an enormous advantage.
2) These locals are correct it's tough country (I'm not local, but can also vouch first hand). That's only bad or good depending on how well you are able to work in those conditions.
3) The elk are dispersed and have a variety of options to reposition if they don't like the pressure, feed, water, or anything else for that matter so you're going to have to check a bunch of different spots.
You asked about staging out of Red vs. Questa. I'd suggest keeping your camp light, fast, and as mobile as humanly possible.
Try to develop a run-and-gun strategy for maybe 3 different scenarios/areas around the unit at different elevations. I don't think anyone has asked about your general hunting tendencies/elk experience, so I'll say it here so it's not been assumed- get out EARLY. Be actively glassing in the cold at first light from wherever you are, and don't move spots until the mid-day unless it's just obvious that you're screwed by hunting pressure. Make moves mid-day and resume.
I'd try to commit at least 1.5 full days (3 hunts) to trying to rule out each of your topographical areas. Be strategic with your time management and process. Then be patient and keep working through the hunt. Lastly, perhaps above all else, stay positive.
Whenever I evaluate a potential hunting area I'm always looking for 'people separators'; obstacles or elements that will give me an edge if I am willing to work harder. Irrespective of your hunt, the quality of the unit or number of animals, I have found that PMA is the thing very first obstacle that separates the successful from from the unsuccessful.
Good luck on your hunt WestTxHunter!