I agree with you @CaptainHarley
As an HR person, I will always choose the person who seems to love the field rather than the one who is motivated by money. This serves our purpose as one who hires for the benefit of the organization.
However, I think if the OP of this question really really loved what they were doing, this probably wouldn’t be a question, and until they find what they do (without a doubt) love doing, going for the most money wouldn’t be a bad way to go, and an HR person should understand that.
When the OP goes for the interview that matters, and it will matter b/c they are finally doing what they do love, then they can tell that manager “I took the money b/c it was important to me at the time, but now I am interviewing for the position I love”
I don’t see something wrong with that.