--and--
I lack the Ph.D level mathematics skill needed to understand modern theories about cosmology in any real way. Any language short of high-level mathematics is going to have trouble expressing the basis for these concepts.
Well, I have an advanced degree in math (not Phd yet), but I think understanding and accepting these concepts has more to do with intuition than anything.
You're well ahead of me in the math department, and intuition isn't worth much unless it's well-informed. For what it's worth, I like the oscillating universe because it avoids the problem of the universe's being strictly a one-time affair. That definitely is counter-intuitive.
"but I think understanding and accepting these concepts has more to do with intuition than anything.
"
Now, you, are a very smart person.
New theories, new inventions, come not from our individual brilliance over and above other humans.
It is given to many at the same time. Most do nothing with the info. The few are the ones that 'invented' it in history books.