I missed this:
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But it does not have anything to say about WHY there was the Big Bang it assumes.
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That's not true. Neil Turok (the pioneer who developed the theory of Inflation) has since proposed wha tis known as the Ekpyrotic universe - essentially the the Big Bang occured because of the collision of two "branes" within the M-brane multiverse.
I believe I understand what you're trying to say - you're taking the postpositivist approach pioneered by your oft-cited philosopher Karl Popper and openly subscribed to by Hawking. While I tend to agree to a moderate approach of positivism, I often disagree with the concept that absolute truths cannot be known for certain - I find this idea to be a play on words rather than the fundamental concept as it is presented. In other words, I believe we can know the ultimate origin of both the universe and the multiverse, which is where I believe we disagree.
The problem is the counter-intuitive nature of modern science. For example the classical and still widely-accepted model of the atom still has electrons orbiting a nucleus of protons and neutrons - despite the fact that we know that electrons do not "orbit" at all ... they exist as waveform functions (probability). But it is far more intuitive to ascribe orbiting to atoms as a way to teach the basic concept - the problem is that its completely wrong.
Expanding that idea, we accept the idea that this universe involves a very clear progression of cause and effect. In fact, thermodynamic laws require such a concept. We also accept the idea that we live in a stable vacuum while the concept of further stability is counter-intuitive. Yet, the idea of differing laws of physics (including those more stable than ours) are supported by modern science. In this universe, relativity shows space and time to be inseparable. Intuitively we would believe that would apply in any universe.
Why?
Intuitively we only percieve 4 dimensions - 3 spatial and one of time. Why does all variations of string theory and M theory then agree on 11 dimensions? Is it a most improbable coicidence or is the universe truly this counter intuitive?
Furthermore, why does it seem that the vast majority of people would agree that gravity is the strongest of the fundamental forces although it is the weakest by MANY orders of magnitude?
Okay, fine - I'm rambling on and pretty must past my counter argument - science is just too exciting for me. Getting back, ultimately I think your argument's mistake lies it the fact that, although you've taken an even more reasonable approach to your concepts that anyone else, you've still taken A reasonable approach, period. God, science, and the universe are anything but.
(I do agree with your conclusions for the most part, however. Like I said, I just get excited in discussing such things)