Thanks for chiming in.
I managed to get the frunk open literally 10 minutes ago. It's a lot cooler here in Toronto, and enough time for the whole car to cool down. The trunk popped open upon first attempt, so it looks like my actuator is on its last legs.
A really good explanation by foxcart61 over on the Rennlist forums
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/766817-2002-996-c4-front-hood-switch-intermittently-not-working.html#post16577384