Hi Larry,
Firstly, having read all the posts, in my opinion all talk of sandpipers like purple and pectoral for instance can be thrown out the window! If this bird was noticeably bigger than a Kildeer, then I reckon you did have a Redshank or Ruff on that day! Spotted redshank is quite distinctive as it's bill is needle-like and long. A good super should also have been visible if it were one and the bird should have appeared quite greyish/whiteish if it was an adult in winter plumage. The bird you saw sounds nothing like a Spotted redshank and very like a Common redshank (Common here anyway).
As i said, in my opinion, the only waders that spring to mind resembling what you describe are Redshank and Ruff. However, having seen many Ruff, I can't say I've seen any with RED legs. Ruff are notoriously variable regarding size and plumage variances but in my experience, any bright colours on bill and legs are almost always orange. This would lead me to conclude you saw a Redshank.
The thing that bothers me is you seem to be dismissing this possibility too easily, just because it shouldn't be there!! This is what rarity finding is all about. 9 times out of 10, you know when you clap eyes on a rarity that it is one. You just need the confidence and conviction to convince yourself and stop letting the doubt creep in. it happens to us all.
Still, I'm not saying you definitely saw a Redshank but it sure sounds like it!
Regards,