In most European countries TP is not even allowed to charge anything if you dont take the connecting flight.

I guess your quotes are in Business?

I usually book the next connection (with hand luggage only) to

1) get the opportunity to cash out €600 in case of a delay leading to actually missing the purchased connection and/or

2) being able to access the lounge for a meal and shower as TP does not even grant any access on arrival and also does not have an arrival lounge despite a comprehensive long haul network.