The problem is the conceptual shape of events. What may look like a pendulum is actually a spiral. Every so often the fulcrum of events traveling along the great spiral passes the opposite point and eventually comes back around. But it is either expanding or tightening all the while. Farther along, it winds too tight and it breaks. Or becomes too loose and it loses all meaning.
If time is fluid and flows, then perhaps time is not unlike a river.
Often, the things a river is carrying along with it will get catch on, and get jammed up by, some obstruction along the way.
Once obstructed, the river's flow slows, backs up, overflows its banks and floods the surrounding land.
If the pressure is not relieved and the river allowed to continue on its way, at some point the dam will break and all that has been held back will rush forth with both destructive and cleansing force.
The same is true for human constructs riding and navigating the stream of time.
Sooner or later, events or human activity, whether by accident or on purpose, create obstructions that catch and hold the things being carried along, damming up the time stream.
The Rules state that to all things a season.
If human constructs create dams that are poorly engineered to the Laws of Nature or are built where they shouldn't be, no matter how wonderful the new reservoir might be, it's temporary.
If it's built in violation of the unchangeable Law, there will be catastrophe and heartache.
It's just a matter of time...
My simple rule is, if time flies like an arrow, then fruit flies like a banana.