[Brian W (Brian)]

You are correct that there is no proof for string theory and that bringing in multiple dimensions does open things up a wee bit. The main trouble I have with the Big Bang is that, as I understand it, there is a beginning. I have trouble with what was before the beginning. String Theory needs no beginning. (again as I understand it). Applying the razor leaves me with at least the core of the simpler idea... the universe(s) are infinite.

To me (from a Buddhist perspective, not to proselytize or to get into a religious debate, just to let you understand my world view) the idea of infinity is quite acceptable.

However for me the bottom line is that cosmology attempts to explain what we experience and as important as it may be to truly understand what we see I am just happy to see.

String Theory may indeed be a dead end but probably not a waste of time in that it allows for and perhaps even demands out of the box thinking.

Brian