Yeah, that's a possible alternative, too, Richard. It would still be an error, of course, given the actual wording of "Occultist (Lore - Magic):"
"Occultist (Lore - Magic): Basset gains a +2 to Lore rolls when performing research related to mortal magic."
Not only is Thaumaturgy not "research" in this context, Lore translates to Complexity/Strength, which isn't rolled!
I think it's safe to call it an error, however it was accomplished.