I wonder (I have no idea) if the outgassing/unfrozen atmosphere lowers the albedo of Pluto as well - which might give Pluto a “step-function” in temperature.
Pluto would then have one phase with atmosphere, where it’s not-so-very-cold, and one where it’s very-cold, with no atmosphere. Even though its moving away from the sun, it could still be in this hotter phase.
Anyway, way outside my comfort zone here.
Could be. Phase states and transition points might be discovered when New Horizons gets there.