One question I have is what is "warmer" air? If I climb to freezing
temps in the clouds (which I have done), is descending to an altitude
that is maybe 2C sufficient to prevent further icing? From my
experience, the answer appears to be that this is sufficient, but I'm
wondering if the surfaces are still cold enough to allow ice to build.

-Brian

Robert M. Gary wrote:

No, if the assigned altitude is still well above the MEA and warmer
air, its fine. Sometimes you have to tell ATC you can't decend to
12,000 but can take 8,000 if the MEA is only 3,000.