It makes no difference. As Jesus said, “TODAY”. A place, a state makes no difference as I see it, it’s just not biblical, not in the least.
Now that being said, I fully believe my RC friends and relations are brothers and sisters in Christ. They fully believe and trust that Christ died for their sins and that’s an end to it, we’ll have a grand argument in the afterlife won’t we...oh wait, we’ll know for sure then, but some of us will be red faced..hope it’s not me, but I’ll be glad to be there along with you.
Do you not believe a cleansing or purification by the blood of Christ is required before admission into heaven?
"9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." - 2 Peter 1:9-11
The thief on the cross example would only work if we held that ALL go through purgation. But we don’t. So adducing a guy who, arguably but not certainly, did NOT go through purgation does not argue against any part of the teaching.