This makes zero sense.
It's unlikely that Intel is naive enough to think that these graphics cards won't ever be reviewed. At some point tech sites are going to get their hands on them regardless of whether it's a review sample from Intel (or an AIB partner) or a card from the retail marketplace.
If Intel doesn't want a particular CPU, NUC, network card, whatever reviewed, what do you think happens? Do they stick their head in the sand and hope no one notices? NO. This is not Intel's first rodeo, not by a long shot. Intel is not being run by a bunch of snot-nosed 22-year-old interns whose mantra is "fake it until you make it."
Furthermore if Intel knew the cards were disappointing, wouldn't it be in their best interest to send key reviewers cherry picked Golden Samples instead of letting reviewers play the silicon lottery from retailers? Or maybe if Intel did send out review samples for presumed stinkers, people would accuse them of that ploy. It has been done before countless times and not just PC components either.
Even if TPU doesn't review this card someone else will eventually.