Blimey. Where do I start? Firstly, there is no 'scientific observation' that could suggest the universe has a beginning.
One might infer that from certain observations, it might be the best-fit explanation but it most certainly isn't the observation that suggests that. Secondly, the whole structure of the mathematics we use is a construct - one CAN argue it has an absolute reflection in reality, but it is nonetheless a construct. So the mere notion of special pleading for zero is utter codswallop - it's an integral part of the structure.
Ignorance, I'd say. But then the point that was being argued was pretty unlikely to get a clear answer, since it's not an issue that's really amenable to logic.
The universe exists in the physical, so it does need a beginning. God exists in the metaphysical, so he does not need a beginning. Whatever was before creation, we will not know until perhaps Heaven.
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.