>> mathematics loses something in the translation.

No, math doesn't purport to translate.
The basic problem is that the state of knowledge is alwaysbounded on the bottom by *phenomenology*. Its not math's fault.
No matter what physicists and mathematicians proclaim, you can always *bug* them by asking, "why" and/or"how", if they're referring to the Universe. If they're just playing chess then its not necessary.
Its like a mole whose thought train is driven by "deeper". You canalways ask him, what's deeper still? And he'll obsessively burrowfurther. (Until he hits the natural gas pocket :-) Mathematicianshave the same problem with the Biggest Number. Add one. Square it.
Slide. Visualize your power animal, and slide.

Of course, I heartily endorse such obsessions, when properly directed,which in XYZ's (and many others') case, it is.