[Redcloak]

Since the "current" universe seems to be flying apart and showing no signs of an eventual contraction, what prevented the "prior" iteration from doing the same thing?

[Gordongekko909]

Yeah, the Big Rip seems to be where we're headed. 'course, I don't claim to know anything about this stuff, I kinda just watch from the bleachers and follow as best I can.

[Reactionary]

"Since the "current" universe seems to be flying apart and showing no signs of an eventual contraction, what prevented the "prior" iteration from doing the same thing?"

Who knows? Perhaps it's the case that it only appears to be expanding and that time may, in fact, be running in reverse at the present moment.

You got me. :)