Rats, you got a link for that?
My best guess for the Quins logic is that they're gambling on bringing Collier and Sinckler through as their next generation of TH props - Sinckler in particular can be that brute of a TH you say they need - and didn't want to spend too much. I never thought it sounded particularly intelligent, but there we go. That said, can't blame him for a loss when he isn't there!
I think the centre issue might be even bigger tbh, and its possible that the lack of threat from there is one of the things dragging Nick Evans down. From O'Shea's comments, defence was a big issue, they need a defensive general as much as an attacking threat - that gets expensive. I'm guessing Lowe is their regular general, but he's not been in the best form.
Quins need some major surgery and they've made some interesting choices that will make it difficult. Committing to Evans and Easter until they fall apart just doesn't sound smart.
Robshaw is one of the few players I've seen emerge from that game with credit. His skillset might have been idiosyncratic to the point where it is difficult to fit into a balanced backrow, but that's ok, because you should be building it around him.