In the appropriate metric which includes the cosmological constant as a component [the cosmological metric] the cosmological component term could be so dominant in the description of of the local gravitational field surrounding an object in a scalar quantum field that inflation will occur. That was the idea that Alan Guth and Andrei Linde had that led to the inflation theory. Gravity causes the expansion during the inflation event.
Brucep, I intuitively like your approach with offering valid info.
I'm aware of repulsive( anti-gravity like ) dark energy develpoments since when, 2001 based on accelearting expansion, however, don't you mean to or need to distingush--- differrentiate ---the inflationary period( at whatever speeds that may have occurrred at ),
from our current observed accelerating expansion?
Maybe I'm just behind the times on those two scenarios i.e. since the discovery of dark energy repulsion/cosmic constant, then inflation in a sense never ended or just has not slowed as much as we used to think it has slowed.
Most formula will go over my head, so fine if you have them to post, but if you can explain and or elaborate with words and pictures is best for me.
thx, r5