Absolutely I know that NASA et al refer to it as a KC-135A, and perhaps saying it is pseudo civilian removes the requirements from changing it from a KC-135 to a C-135 but then why not call it a Boeing Model 717? And other KC-135As were modified and received new designations (e.g. EC-135 and RC-135).
I still believe that the 'Modified Mission' prefix should be removed once the tanking capability had been removed.