* The most basic of all first principles is that nothing can be and not be at the same time. (Aristotle) ...... ???

The existence of paradox in anything of value is one of my most basic beliefs.

I don't know - "vacuum energy starting to dominate" is such a vaguely defined time period - it could be considered anywhere in the last billion years or the next billion years. There are far more critical coincidences, like - why are the 4 forces balanced so perfectly so that atoms, stars and planets can exist? The only answer is that otherwise we would not be here to wonder about it.

You'll find the answer in Einsteins theorem.

If I could POP this 5 times, I would.

14b years....it doesnt look a day over 13b.