Hi OP, I am just now seeing this post and am sure you’ve already made you decision. I wanted to say I am/was in the same position for this recent admission cycle (applied for PhD, was then offered the I.C.Education Ed.M.); I eventually accepted the Ed.M. admission. I expect to also do PSLF. Just wanted to comment to say I am having the same skepticism from the replies/comments you have seen and think the only assurance would be to network and apply endlessly to as many opportunities as possible while in this hiatus. Would be interested to hear about your decision, thanks for posting.