Imagine how much money they could save by not releasing renders of things as they will never exist as, and then re doing the renders once they know what it will end up looking like.
I'm not an architect but would guess it's less a matter of "imagining" than understanding the design process and knowing how much time and effort are actually required.
I mean, it's a progressive design build so the idea is that Metrolinx takes the design to a certain point and then a proponent comes in to finish things off within the established parameters. Presumably these are essentially painted 3D images based on the Reference Concept Design, which is a fairly standard kinda thing, I think.
The render for Bridge Station, for example, shows the platofrm in relation to the tracks and the entrance above and the path to the side; that will all be in the final design and it's useful to see, IMHO. Whether the fence is white or has a different pattern or whether something shown as red ends up being blue doesn't seem like a big deal to me. Rest assured, Clark Station will have escalators and turnstiles and floor tiles, basically as shown. If they're different tiles or the light fixtures change, so what?
Even us lay people can understand how designs evolve and the value of seeing early renderings; even if you're just renovating your kitchen. And as a pure matter of PR, it shows people what work has been going on behind the scenes and that this is a real project that is actually moving forward.
I really don't see the point putting any effort into critiquing an early design concept for something we know is in progress and which won't be opening for another 10 years but I guess having stuff to kick around is also what keeps these forums going
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
And no PSDs either, even on a new build with ATC trains.