The discussion centers on the inefficiency of the oscillating universe theory, which was abandoned due to three main concerns: it violates the second law of thermodynamics, recent observations suggest the universe is flat rather than closed, and energy from a collapse cannot be efficiently converted into the next expansion. Participants question the reasoning behind the claim that the universe is inefficient, particularly in light of conservation laws that suggest momentum should be preserved during collapse and expansion cycles. The conversation highlights a need for clarity on what constitutes inefficiency in this context. A participant also mentions their own research on the topic, indicating ongoing exploration of the theory's viability. Overall, the debate reflects a critical examination of the oscillating universe theory and its implications in modern cosmology.