CapOne is generally spot on with their preapprovals. I would go for the QuickSilver so that theres an opporunity to make up for the annual fee, and then some.
His fear of an even lower score by way of a wasted HP is understandable, but I personally would go for it. The damage a HP causes is only temporary, and after some time, becomes harmless.
AMEX Hilton Ascend: $55,000 | Chase Sapphire Reserve: $30,000 | PNC Points: $17,500 | AMEX BCE (AU): $18,000 | AMEX BCP: $15,000 | US Bank Cash+ $15,000 | AMEX Business Prime: $14,000 | AMEX SimplyCash: $12,000 | Capital One QS: $13,500 | Chase Business Ink: $12,000 | PNC Everyday (AU): $12,000 | JCPenny Store Card: $10,500 | Chase Slate: $9,400 | Capital One QS: $6,500 | (2nd) US Bank Cash+ (2nd): $7,500 | Discover IT: $6,000 | Chase Freedom: $3,500 | Auto Lease: $0/$21,000 | Auto Loan: $0/$18,000 |
TU: 818 EX: 809 EQ: 801
