To clarify, my first post was stating that if OP had chosen to attend a PhD program now (with the intention to use the funding and to then master out and trade up to a “better” program), they may have had a bit of explaining to do if admissions faculty for their 2nd PhD program were curious why they chose to leave their first PhD program. If OP was asked why they left their first PhD program, this could be stressful because the truth (i.e., using funding then trading up) doesn’t make the OP look good, and the other option would be to make up a lie about why they’re leaving, which is unethical. This situation would not arise for terminal masters students, who need to apply to PhD programs to continue on that path. I dont want other readers to be confused by what I was saying.
IMO the OP made a good choice to attend a terminal masters program and will avoid the aforementioned stress and questioning if they decide to apply to PhD programs in the future. I was pointing out that this is a plus for the OP and others who are contemplating a similar situation, as grad school can be stressful enough without having something weighing on your conscience (like using your advisor’s funding and making plans for projects you won’t finish because you know you want to leave early and attend another program).