[MacDorcha]

you think several billion planets and stars wouldnt put up resistance?

[MacDorcha]

proportionately, this would have the same effect.

[LibWhacker]

But in the case of the ball on a rope, the "lost" energy goes into stirring up air molecules, etc. Where would the "lost" energy of an oscillating universe go?

[Scully]

you think several billion planets and stars wouldnt put up resistance?

Of course they do...the gravitational forces between these masses will eventually cause the Universe to cease its expansion and ultimately condense into a singularity...then, BLAMMO! Another cycle is born.

Again though, I must post a disclaimer: I am not a physicist nor even a professional cosmologist, and Physicist may cause me to eat my words...but this is my understanding.