Jim
It does seem the wrong way round - I suspect most pilots would move the Engine Master to OFF if it looked like exceeding the EGT limit, as unlike during an automatic start the hand would remain on the appropriate switch.
There may be some Gallic logic - on the CFM the FADEC will cancel a Hot Start (up to 50%N2) on its own on a Manual Start.
Do you get that excited during abnormals in the aircraft?? - and why would your boss fire you for doing it by the book and following ECAM?