I don't know the math but I find it hard to believe that the moon would actually amplify any of the effects of the earthquake. If anything it would have just triggered it. And whether the moon had an influence or not, it's just one variable among many. It would've happened eventually, moon or no moon.
Anyway, I'm hoping some of the astrophotographers of this forum have some good pics to share... 
The moon causes the ocean tides.
That means that it has a dramatic and perceivable effect on the substance that covers 3/4 of the planet that we live on.
Yeah, it's possible that the gravity of the moon would have some sort of effect, especially at close apogee's.
Without the moon, this planet would not be the one that you know and love today.
