A number of years ago while visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum, I read a letter on display from a D&RGW mechanical supervisor to his superior detailing his inspection of the Uintah 2-6-6-2's prior to thier sale to SVRY. If I remember correctly, he commented favorably on their condition and thought they would suit the narrow gauge operations well.
What I gleaned from this was that at least the DRGW considered purchasing the locomotives and that they chose not to in spite of the recommendation of the person they sent to inspect them. Why? We will probably never know for sure but please feel free to speculate,