Does CQM have anything in common with string theory?

Not really. They have some superficial similarities in that they work with "vibrating membranes", but on totally different scales (CQM at the atomic and string theory at the Planck length). CQM does not require unseen dimensions nor numerology based on the number 24 to be self-consistent, however.

Also, part of the reason why modern GUTs have all of these extra dimensions is because quantum mechanics is non-local (or as Einstein said, it contains "spooky action at a distance"). If you accept non-locality, one is almost forced to imagine that two distant points in spacetime are linked through some alternate dimension. CQM does away with the need for non-locality, and therefore the need for the extra dimensions would need to be reconsidered in this light.

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I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.