I think you're going to run into issues if you go with the RHP option, i.e. it's potentially going to be difficult to fine-tune as well.

What does the ambient in the cage run if you put the warm side @ 87-ish? On the cages where I am running heat, they still only top out around 82 with a hot spot set to 88-89. Granted, my room is heated to 79-80 right now, but try that & see if it makes a difference before you go getting all crazy with different heaters & spending a bunch of money.

If there's ANYTHING I've learned in my years of keeping snakes, it's that the simplest approach is usually best.

Just my $.02...

P.S. Maybe get a new girlfriend, one who likes snakes!